Three BrightSpark Fellowships awarded to tackle major child health challenges

Three researchers from The Kids Research Institute Australia have been awarded BrightSpark Fellowships to advance innovative research projects spanning infectious diseases, rheumatic heart disease and serious bloodstream infections.

The fellowships support outstanding early- and mid-career researchers to develop independent research programs that address some of the most significant health challenges facing children and young people.

The 2026 BrightSpark Fellowship recipients are:

• Dr Stephanie Enkel (The Kids, Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases (WCVID) and The University of Western Australia) will lead research to improve the recognition, detection and prevention of Strep A skin sores and sore throats in children. The project aims to reduce the burden of preventable diseases such as acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, particularly among Aboriginal children who experience disproportionately high rates of Strep A-related illness.
• Dr Wenna Lee (The Kids, WCVID, and The University of Western Australia) will lead the HEARTS study, which seeks to understand why some children develop rheumatic heart disease following Strep A infections. By studying damaged heart valve tissue collected during surgery, the project aims to support the development of improved diagnostics, treatments and vaccines for children affected by the disease.
• Dr Keerthi Anpalagan (The Kids, WCVID, and The University of Western Australia) will establish the first national child-specific imaging pathway for Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections. The project aims to improve the detection of serious complications and support more effective treatment for children, particularly those most at risk of severe illness.
• Executive Director Professor Caroline Homer AO said the fellowships reflected The Kids' commitment to supporting the next generation of child health research leaders.

"Our BrightSpark Fellows are tackling important health challenges that affect children and families across Australia, while building the evidence needed to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment," Professor Homer said.

"These projects focus on conditions that can have lifelong consequences for children and disproportionately affect some of our most vulnerable communities. 

"BrightSpark Fellowships provide talented researchers with the support they need to develop innovative ideas and grow as future leaders in child health research. We are delighted to support Stephanie, Wenna and Keerthi as they take the next steps in their careers."