A leading Australian clinician-researcher has been appointed as the inaugural Chair of Neonatology at Mater, working across Mater Mothers’ hospitals and Mater Research to advance healthcare outcomes for mothers and babies.
Professor Ju-Lee Oei, who was most recently employed as a neonatologist at the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney, will begin her role at Mater on Monday 19 May 2025.
Prof Oei has extensive research and clinical expertise in the resuscitation of sick newborns, and in the care of mothers, babies and families affected by drugs of addiction and dependency.
She has authored more than 190 scientific papers, mentored more than 70 students and neonatal trainees and is currently the chief investigator of two multi-centre trials for the use of oxygen in newborn babies.
Prof Oei collaborates with researchers, clinicians and policy makers from around Australia and the world, and has contributed to state and national guidelines for the management of neonatal abstinence syndrome, as well as guidelines for the American Breast-Feeding Medical Association for maternal drug use.
Mater Research Executive Director Professor Allison Pettit said Prof Oei’s appointment was a significant milestone in Mater’s goal to be recognised as the national leader in neonatal research and clinical care for mothers and babies.
“Following an international search, it was clear that Ju-Lee is the best candidate for this role and will bring complimentary expertise to expand research and clinical capacity at Mater,” Prof Pettit said.
“Her expertise will drive major advancements in neonatal research and clinical practice, enhancing Mater’s reputation as a world leader in mother and baby health.”
Prof Pettit said neonatology research was already deeply embedded in Mater Mothers’ through the expertise of Neonatal Research Leader Professor Helen Liley, who mentors and supervises researchers to become nationally and internationally recognised experts in their field.
Mater Mothers’ Hospital Director of Neonatology Dr Pita Birch said both Prof Liley and Prof Oei have made extensive contributions to neonatal care and research, providing a profound impact on clinical practices worldwide.
“Their collaboration at Mater will provide incomparable neonatal research leadership in Australia,” Dr Birch said.
As Chief Investigator on the NHMRC-funded TORPIDO 3060 Study, Prof Oei has secured more than $15 million in competitive research funding and currently serves on the NHMRC grant review panel for project and leadership grants.
For more than six years, she has led a highly productive perinatal data linkage team, as well as an international resuscitation research group, influencing national and global neonatal resuscitation guidelines.
Prof Oei is also Conjoint Professor at the University of New South Wales and Honorary Associate Professor at the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre at the University of Sydney.
This newly created position is supported by Mater Foundation through the Nine Telethon for Mater Little Miracles.
