The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research

The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research is deeply grateful for the generous bequest of Barbara and Barrie Clark, whose foresight and commitment to improving the lives of people living with chronic respiratory disease continue to make a tangible difference today.

In keeping with their wish to support advancements in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) research, their bequest has enabled the purchase of a tissue culture microscope and bench-top centrifuges, providing our scientists with essential tools to investigate the causes and progression of COPD and develop more effective therapies.

COPD is one of the world's leading causes of death and affects hundreds of thousands of Australians. Researchers at the Woolcock are currently undertaking projects examining how cigarette smoke and vaping products exacerbate lung epithelial infections associated with COPD, and how these changes may affect the delivery and uptake of medicines.

The new tissue culture microscope plays a critical role in this work. It allows researchers to visualise lung cells and observe how environmental factors such as cigarette smoke and vapour exposure affect these cells over time. The microscope also enables scientists to directly monitor cells within culture flasks, dishes and multi-well plates, reducing the need for handling and helping to minimise contamination risks. By providing both qualitative and quantitative insights, the microscope helps bridge the gap between airway biology and the development of inhaled therapies for COPD patients.

The bench-top centrifuges complement this work by supporting the preparation and processing of the cell and biological samples required for these studies. Together, the new equipment strengthens the Institute's tissue culture laboratories and supports the mammalian cell culture techniques that underpin much of our COPD research.

Barbara and Barrie Clark's generosity is a powerful example of how philanthropy can accelerate scientific discovery. Their legacy is not only helping to equip our laboratories with modern research infrastructure but is also supporting the pursuit of new knowledge that has the potential to improve outcomes for people affected by COPD for generations to come.

On behalf of everyone at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, we extend our sincere thanks to Barbara and Barrie Clark. Their lasting contribution is helping our researchers turn scientific curiosity into discoveries that may one day transform the care and treatment of COPD.

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