Kylie Dunning

Research Interests

Animal developmental and reproductive biology Cell Metabolism Fertility Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine Reproduction Reproductive Biology Reproductive medicine

Associate Professor Kylie Dunning

Ext-Funded Research Fellow (D)

School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science

College of Health

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.

Associate Professor Kylie Dunning is an ARC Future Fellow and leads the Reproductive Success team within the Robinson Research Institute, the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, and the School of Biomedicine.Kylie is a reproductive biologist who uses cutting-edge, light-based technologies (also referred to as photonics) to better understand the biology that underpins successful development of the oocyte (egg) and early embryo. With one-in-six Australian couples struggling to start a family without medical intervention, Kylie is committed turning her laboratory discoveries into impact for these couples, engaging early and often with clinical experts to address the greatest clinical challenges.With a focus on how oocytes (eggs) and embryos create energy, Kylie pioneered the paradigm-shifting research describing the requirement for lipid metabolism by the oocyte and early embryo. With a drive to see outcomes for patients, Kylie is now using this knowledge and expertise with cutting-edge imaging and diagnostic technologies, to deliver the next generation of tools for the fertility clinic, and agriculture industry. She is leading the way in the development of safe, non-invasive diagnostic technologies that will change the way fertility specialists and embryologists select the best eggs and embryos, which will ultimately improve the experience for all couples seeking fertility care.

Research Interests

In our team we use safe, cutting-edge, light-based technologies (also referred to as photonics) to better understand the biology that underpins successful development of the oocyte (egg) and early embryo. With one-in-six Australian couples struggling to start a family without medical intervention, we are committed turning our laboratory discoveries into impact for these couples, engaging early and often with clinical experts to address the greatest clinical challenges.

Research Team

We have a culturally and gender diverse team who are supportive and encouraging of each other. Our team consists of four post-doctoral researchers (Dr Megan Lim, Dr Tiffany Tan, Dr Avinash Upadhya and Dr Darren Chow), five post-graduate (Carl Campugan, Annie Whitty, Tong Li, Shan Li and Ramses Bautista Gonzalez) and one Honours students (Wenyu Li).

Current Projects 

Title: Novel optical assessments of embryo development: can we pick the best embryo?

Project description: Increasingly, people are delaying starting a family until later in life. The expectation of conceiving children is often disrupted by infertility (1 in 6 Australian couples). Such a diagnosis can lead to reduced productivity, financial hardship, relationship breakdown and mental illness. Infertility is typically addressed by in vitro fertilization (IVF). Whilst IVF has seen major advancements, it still faces numerous challenges, most notably low success rates: only 18% of Australian and New Zealand initiated IVF cycles deliver a live birth. One of the reasons for the low success rate is the inability to select the healthiest embryo. In this project you will utilise cutting edge microscopy techniques combined with post-imaging assessments to better understand the pre-implantation embryo development period. You will be comparing normal healthy embryos with poor quality embryos: those which fail to complete the preimplantation period or lead to implantation failure or pregnancy loss. Our research is clinically relevant, and we are passionate about translating outcomes into the human IVF clinic and in agriculture. Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss further. 

Projects available for: Third Year / Honours / HDR

Location: Helen Mayo Building

Research project start: Semester 1 and 2

Special requirements: N/A

Date Position Institution name
2025 - ongoing ARC Future Fellow University of Adelaide
2023 - 2025 Future Making Fellow University of Adelaide
2023 - ongoing Deputy Director, Centre of Light for Life University of Adelaide
2021 - ongoing Director IVF Vet Solutions
2020 - ongoing Chief Investigator ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP)
2020 - 2023 The Hospital Research Foundation Fellow University of Adelaide
2017 - 2019 ARC Senior Research Associate University of Adelaide
2012 - 2017 ARC DECRA Fellow University of Adelaide
2007 - 2011 NHMRC Research Associate University of Adelaide, Adelaide
2002 - 2003 Research Assistant Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide

Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
2022 Award Rising Star Award Society for the Study of Reproduction United States -
2020 Award Women's Excellence in Research Award Healthy Development Adelaide Australia -
2020 Award Robinson Research Institute Directors Award The Robinson Research Institute Australia -
2020 Award South Australian Tall Poppy of the Year (overall winner) Australian Institute for Policy and Science Australia -
2019 Award Newcastle Reproduction Emerging Research Leader Award Society for Reproductive Biology Australia -
2012 Award Most Outstanding Early Career Researcher Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide - $3000
2010 Award First Place, Trainee Research Award Society for the Study of Reproduction United States -
2010 Award First place, Young Investigator Award Women's and Children's Hospital Australia $10,000
2010 Award Lalor Foundation Merit Award Lalor Foundation, Society for the Study of Reproduction United States -
2007 Award Robert Seamark Postgraduate Award University of Adelaide Australia -
2007 Award National Research Initiative (NRI) Merit Award United States Department of Agriculture, CSREES United States -

Language Competency
English Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review

Date Institution name Country Title
2008 University of Adelaide, Adelaide Australia Doctor of Philosophy
2002 University of Adelaide, Adelaide Australia Bachelor of Science (Honours)
2001 University of Adelaide, Adelaide Australia Bachelor of Science

Year Citation
2025 Whitty, A. L., Kind, K. L., Dunning, K. R., McPherson, N. O., & Nottle, M. B. (2025). GM-CSF treatment of frozen bovine sperm improves function, fertilization, and subsequent embryo development.. Theriogenology, 235, 46-55.
DOI Scopus3 WoS3 Europe PMC3
2025 Campugan, C., Perrella, C., Lim, M., Tan, T. C. Y., Schartner, E., Arita, Y., . . . Dunning, K. (2025). Microrheology of the cumulus-oocyte matrix using optical tweezers. Journal of Physics: Photonics, 7(2), 10 pages.
DOI Scopus1 WoS1
2025 Peterkovic, Z., Upadhya, A., Perrella, C., Bajraktarevic, A., Bautista Gonzalez, R. E., Lim, M., . . . Dholakia, K. (2025). Optimizing image capture for low-light widefield quantitative fluorescence microscopy. APL Photonics, 10(3), 031102-1-031102-28.
DOI Scopus3 WoS3
2025 Dunning, K. R., & Dholakia, K. (2025). The role of light sheet microscopy for non-invasive imaging of live embryos. Human Reproduction, 40(7), 1377-1378.
DOI Scopus1 WoS1
2025 Monteiro, G. B., Lim, M., Tan, T. C. Y., Upadhya, A., Liang, Z., Agnew, B., . . . Dholakia, K. (2025). A Neuromorphic Camera for Tracking Passive and Active Matter with Lower Data Throughput. Laser and Photonics Reviews, 19(19), e00106-1-e00106-10.
DOI
2025 Whitty, A. L., Jennings, S. K., Lyons, H. E., Thompson, J. G., Mcpherson, N. O., Kind, K. L., . . . Nottle, M. B. (2025). Addition of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor during in vitro oocyte maturation improves cattle in vitro embryo production. Theriogenology, 247, 9 pages.
DOI
2025 Georgakoudi, I., Skala, M. C., Quinn, K. P., Stringari, C., Sorrells, J. E., Heikal, A. A., . . . Zemp, R. (2025). Consensus guidelines for cellular label-free optical metabolic imaging: ensuring accuracy and reproducibility in metabolic profiling.. J Biomed Opt, 30(Suppl 2), S23901.
DOI
2024 Chow, D. J. X., Schartner, E. P., Corsetti, S., Upadhya, A., Morizet, J., Gunn-Moore, F. J., . . . Dholakia, K. (2024). Quantifying DNA damage following light sheet and confocal imaging of the mammalian embryo. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 20760-1-20760-12.
DOI Scopus6 WoS6 Europe PMC5
2024 McLennan, H. J., Heinrich, S. L., Inge, M. P., Wallace, S. J., Blanch, A. J., Hails, L., . . . Love, A. K. (2024). A micro-fabricated device (microICSI) improves porcine blastocyst development and procedural efficiency for both porcine intracytoplasmic sperm injection and human microinjection. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 41(2), 297-309.
DOI Scopus5 WoS3
2024 Lee, K. J., Trowbridge, A. C., Bruce, G. D., Dwapanyin, G. O., Dunning, K. R., Dholakia, K., & Schartner, E. P. (2024). Learning algorithms for identification of whisky using portable Raman spectroscopy. Current Research in Food Science, 8, 100729-1-100729-10.
DOI Scopus5 WoS4 Europe PMC2
2024 Chow, D. J. X., Tan, T. C. Y., Upadhya, A., Lim, M., Dholakia, K., & Dunning, K. R. (2024). Viewing early life without labels: optical approaches for imaging the early embryo†. Biology of Reproduction, 110(6), 1157-1174.
DOI Scopus6 WoS6 Europe PMC4
2023 Emery, A., Dunning, K. R., Dinh, D. T., Akison, L. K., Robker, R. L., & Russell, D. L. (2023). Dynamic regulation of semaphorin 7A and adhesion receptors in ovarian follicle remodeling and ovulation. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 11, 1261038-1-1261038-9.
DOI Scopus7 WoS7 Europe PMC5
2023 Morizet, J., Chow, D., Wijesinghe, P., Schartner, E., Dwapanyin, G., Dubost, N., . . . Dholakia, K. (2023). UVA Hyperspectral Light-Sheet Microscopy for Volumetric Metabolic Imaging: Application to Preimplantation Embryo Development. ACS Photonics, 10(12), 4177-4187.
DOI Scopus10 WoS11 Europe PMC8
2023 McLennan, H. J., Blanch, A. J., Wallace, S. J., Ritter, L. J., Heinrich, S. L., Gardner, D. K., . . . Thompson, J. G. (2023). Nano-liter perfusion microfluidic device made entirely by two-photon polymerization for dynamic cell culture with easy cell recovery. Sci Rep, 13(1), 562-1-562-16.
DOI Scopus42 WoS40 Europe PMC19
2023 Dwapanyin, G. O., Chow, D. J. X., Tan, T. C. Y., Dubost, N. S., Morizet, J. M., Dunning, K. R., & Dholakia, K. (2023). Investigation of refractive index dynamics during in vitro embryo development using off-axis digital holographic microscopy. Biomedical Optics Express, 14(7), 3327-3342.
DOI Scopus11 WoS9 Europe PMC8
2022 Capon, P. K., Li, J., Horsfall, A. J., Yagoub, S., Schartner, E. P., Khalid, A., . . . Abell, A. D. (2022). A silk‐based functionalization architecture for single fiber imaging and sensing. Advanced Functional Materials, 32(3), 2010713-1-2010713-11.
DOI Scopus9 WoS9
2022 Tan, C., Mahbub, S., Campbell, J., Habibalahi, A., Campugan, C., Rose, R., . . . Dunning, K. (2022). Non-invasive, label-free optical analysis to detect aneuploidy within the inner cell mass of the preimplantation embryo. Human Reproduction, 37(1), 14-29.
DOI Scopus32 WoS31 Europe PMC24
2022 Smith, K. M., Dinh, D. T., Akison, L. K., Nicholls, M., Dunning, K. R., Morimoto, A., . . . Robker, R. L. (2022). Intraovarian, Isoform-Specific Transcriptional Roles of Progesterone Receptor in Ovulation. Cells, 11(9), 1-23.
DOI Scopus11 WoS10 Europe PMC7
2022 Yagoub, S. H., Thompson, J. G., Orth, A., Dholakia, K., Gibson, B. C., & Dunning, K. R. (2022). Fabrication on the microscale: a two-photon polymerized device for oocyte microinjection. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 39(7), 1-11.
DOI Scopus13 WoS9 Europe PMC6
2022 Campugan, C. A., Lim, M., Chow, D. J. X., Tan, T. C. Y., Li, T., Saini, A. A., . . . Dunning, K. R. (2022). The effect of discrete wavelengths of visible light on the developing murine embryo. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 39(8), 1825-1837.
DOI Scopus13 WoS12 Europe PMC10
2022 Tan, T. C. Y., Brown, H. M., Thompson, J. G., Mustafa, S., & Dunning, K. R. (2022). Optical imaging detects metabolic signatures associated with oocyte quality. Biology of Reproduction, 107(4), 1014-1025.
DOI Scopus12 WoS12 Europe PMC6
2022 Yagoub, S. H., Lim, M., Tan, T. C. Y., Chow, D. J. X., Dholakia, K., Gibson, B. C., . . . Dunning, K. R. (2022). Vitrification within a nanoliter volume: oocyte and embryo cryopreservation within a 3D photopolymerized device. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 39(9), 1997-2014.
DOI Scopus6 WoS4 Europe PMC4
2022 Tan, T. C. Y., & Dunning, K. R. (2022). Non-invasive assessment of oocyte developmental competence. Reproduction Fertility and Development, 35(1-2), 39-50.
DOI Scopus12 WoS10 Europe PMC7
2022 Wijesinghe, P., Corsetti, S., Chow, D. J. X., Sakata, S., Dunning, K. R., & Dholakia, K. (2022). Experimentally unsupervised deconvolution for light-sheet microscopy with propagation-invariant beams.. Light Sci Appl, 11(1), 319.
DOI Scopus21 WoS19 Europe PMC11
2021 Richani, D., Dunning, K. R., Thompson, J. G., & Gilchrist, R. B. (2021). Metabolic co-dependence of the oocyte and cumulus cells: essential role in determining oocyte developmental competence. Human Reproduction Update, 27(1), 27-47.
DOI Scopus247 WoS227 Europe PMC196
2021 Santos Monteiro, C. A., Chow, D. J. X., Leal, G. R., Tan, C. Y., Reis Ferreira, A. M., Thompson, J. G., & Dunning, K. R. (2021). Optical imaging of cleavage stage bovine embryos using hyperspectral and confocal approaches reveals metabolic differences between on-time and fast-developing embryos. Theriogenology, 159, 60-68.
DOI Scopus22 WoS24 Europe PMC16
2021 Lim, M., Thompson, J. G., & Dunning, K. R. (2021). HYPOXIA AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH: hypoxia and ovarian function: follicle development, ovulation, oocyte maturation. Reproduction, 161(1), F33-F40.
DOI Scopus63 WoS61 Europe PMC51
2021 Lim, M., Brown, H. M., Rose, R. D., Thompson, J. G., & Dunning, K. R. (2021). Dysregulation of bisphosphoglycerate mutase during in vitro maturation of oocytes. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 38(6), 1363-1372.
DOI Scopus9 WoS9 Europe PMC8
2021 Whitty, A., Kind, K. L., Dunning, K. R., & Thompson, J. G. (2021). Effect of oxygen and glucose availability during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes on development and gene expression. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 38(6), 1349-1362.
DOI Scopus15 WoS14 Europe PMC10
2021 Chow, D. J. X., Wijesinghe, P., Dholakia, K., & Dunning, K. R. (2021). Does artificial intelligence have a role in the IVF clinic?. Reproduction and Fertility, 2(3), C29-C34.
DOI Scopus33 WoS29 Europe PMC23
2020 Campugan, C. A., Dunning, K. R., & Dholakia, K. (2020). Optical manipulation: a step change for biomedical science. Contemporary Physics, 61(4), 277-294.
DOI Scopus11 WoS10
2020 Horsfall, A. J., Dunning, K. R., Keeling, K. L., Scanlon, D. B., Wegener, K. L., & Abell, A. D. (2020). A bimane‐based peptide staple for combined helical induction and fluorescent imaging. ChemBioChem, 21(23), 1-11.
DOI Scopus10 WoS8 Europe PMC6
2020 McLennan, H. J., Saini, A., Sylvia, G. M., Schartner, E. P., Dunning, K. R., Purdey, M. S., . . . Thompson, J. G. (2020). A biophotonic approach to measure pH in small volumes in vitro: quantifiable differences in metabolic flux around the cumulus-oocyte-complex (COC). Journal of Biophotonics, 13(3), e201960038-1-e201960038-9.
DOI Scopus7 WoS7 Europe PMC3
2020 McLennan, H. J., Saini, A., Dunning, K. R., & Thompson, J. G. (2020). Oocyte and embryo evaluation by AI and multi-spectral auto-fluorescence imaging: livestock embryology needs to catch-up to clinical practice. Theriogenology, 150, 255-262.
DOI Scopus16 WoS18 Europe PMC14
2019 Kedzior, S., Bianco-Miotto, T., Breen, J., Diener, K. R., Donnelley, M. W., Dunning, K. R., . . . Rumbold, A. R. (2019). It takes a community to conceive: an analysis of the scope, nature and accuracy of online sources of health information for couples trying to conceive. Reproductive Biomedicine and Society Online, 9, 48-63.
DOI Scopus11 Europe PMC12
2019 Lim, M., Brown, H. M., Kind, K. L., Breen, J., Anastasi, M. R., Ritter, L. J., . . . Dunning, K. R. (2019). Haemoglobin expression in in vivo murine preimplantation embryos suggests a role in oxygen-regulated gene expression. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 31(4), 724-734.
DOI Scopus9 WoS8 Europe PMC6
2019 Bromfield, E. G., Dowland, S. N., Dunleavy, J. E. M., Dunning, K. R., Holland, O. J., Houston, B. J., . . . Bertoldo, M. J. (2019). Fifty years of reproductive biology in Australia: highlights from the 50th Annual Meeting of the Society for Reproductive Biology (SRB). Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 31(5), 829-836.
DOI WoS1 Europe PMC1
2019 Lim, M., Brown, H. M., Kind, K. L., Thompson, J. G., & Dunning, K. R. (2019). Hemoglobin: potential roles in the oocyte and early embryo. Biology of Reproduction, 101(2), 262-270.
DOI Scopus15 WoS11 Europe PMC6
2018 Sutherland, J., Frost, E., Ford, E., Peters, A., Reed, N., Seldon, A., . . . McLaughlin, E. (2018). Janus kinase JAK1 maintains the ovarian reserve of primordial follicles in the mouse ovary. Molecular Human Reproduction, 24(11), 533-542.
DOI Scopus31 WoS31 Europe PMC28
2017 Brown, H., Dunning, K., Sutton-McDowall, M., Gilchrist, R., Thompson, J., & Russell, D. (2017). Failure to launch: aberrant cumulus gene expression during oocyte in vitro maturation. Reproduction, 153(3), R109-R120.
DOI Scopus49 WoS45 Europe PMC38
2017 Dunning, K., & Robker, R. (2017). The role of L-carnitine during oocyte in vitro maturation: essential co-factor?. Animal Reproduction, 14(3), 469-475.
DOI Scopus19 WoS17
2015 Russell, D., Brown, H., & Dunning, K. (2015). ADAMTS proteases in fertility. Matrix Biology, 44-46, 54-63.
DOI Scopus68 WoS63 Europe PMC49
2015 Dunning, K., Watson, L., Zhang, V., Brown, H., Kaczmarek, A., Robker, R., & Russell, D. (2015). Activation of mouse cumulus-oocyte complex maturation in vitro through EGF-like activity of versican. Biology of Reproduction, 92(5), 116-1-116-10.
DOI Scopus31 WoS29 Europe PMC25
2015 Hu, F., Dzaye, O., Hahn, A., Yu, Y., Scavetta, R., Dittmar, G., . . . Kettenmann, H. (2015). Glioma-derived versican promotes tumor expansion via glioma-associated microglial/macrophages Toll-like receptor 2 signaling. Neuro-Oncology, 17(2), 200-210.
DOI Scopus140 WoS132 Europe PMC126
2014 Robker, R., Watson, L., Robertson, S., Dunning, K., McLaughlin, E., & Russell, D. (2014). Identification of sites of STAT3 action in the female reproductive tract through conditional gene deletion. PLoS One, 9(7), e101182-1-e101182-9.
DOI Scopus28 WoS25 Europe PMC22
2014 Dunning, K., Russell, D., & Robker, R. (2014). Lipids and oocyte developmental competence: the role of fatty acids and β-oxidation. Reproduction, 148(1), R15-R27.
DOI Scopus377 WoS361 Europe PMC280
2014 Dunning, K., Anastasi, M., Zhang, V., Russell, D., & Robker, R. (2014). Regulation of fatty acid oxidation in mouse cumulus-oocyte complexes during maturation and modulation by PPAR agonists. PLoS One, 9(2), e87327-1-e87327-11.
DOI Scopus129 WoS124 Europe PMC112
2012 Dunning, K., Watson, L., Sharkey, D., Brown, H., Norman, R., Thompson, J., . . . Russell, D. (2012). Molecular filtration properties of the mouse expanded cumulus matrix: controlled supply of metabolites and extracellular signals to cumulus cells and the oocyte. Biology of Reproduction, 87(4), 1-10.
DOI Scopus23 WoS23 Europe PMC20
2012 Dunning, K., & Robker, R. (2012). Promoting lipid utilization with l-carnitine to improve oocyte quality. Animal Reproduction Science, 134(1-2), 69-75.
DOI Scopus87 WoS83 Europe PMC62
2012 Watson, L., Mottershead, D., Dunning, K., Robker, R., Gilchrist, R., & Russell, D. (2012). Heparan sulfate proteoglycans regulate responses to oocyte paracrine signals in ovarian follicle morphogenesis. Endocrinology, 153(9), 4544-4555.
DOI Scopus53 WoS52 Europe PMC49
2012 Akison, L., Alvino, E., Dunning, K., Robker, R., & Russell, D. (2012). Transient invasive migration in mouse cumulus oocyte complexes induced at ovulation by luteinizing hormone. Biology of Reproduction, 86(4), 1-8.
DOI Scopus46 WoS45 Europe PMC43
2012 McDowall, M., Inglis, D., Robker, R., Thompson, J., & Dunning, K. (2012). Utilization of endogenous fatty acid stores for energy production in bovine preimplantation embryos. Theriogenology, 77(8), 1632-1641.
DOI Scopus102 WoS98 Europe PMC75
2011 Dunning, K., Akison, L., Russell, D., Norman, R., & Robker, R. (2011). Increased beta-oxidation and improved oocyte developmental competence in response to L-Carnitine during ovarian in vitro follicle development in mice. Biology of Reproduction, 85(3), 548-555.
DOI Scopus107 WoS99 Europe PMC91
2011 Gebhardt, K., Inglis, D., Dunning, K., Lane, M., & Russell, D. (2011). Human cumulus cell gene expression as a biomarker of pregnancy outcome after single embryo transfer. Fertility and Sterility, 96(1), 47-54.
DOI Scopus168 WoS148 Europe PMC131
2010 Dunning, K., Cashman, K., Russell, D., Thompson, J., Norman, R., & Robker, R. (2010). Beta-oxidation is essential for mouse oocyte developmental competence and early embryo development. Biology of Reproduction, 83(6), 909-918.
DOI Scopus369 WoS354 Europe PMC301
2010 Linyan Wu, L., Dunning, K., Yang, X., Russell, D., Lane, M., Norman, R., & Robker, R. (2010). High-fat diet causes lipotoxicity responses in cumulus-oocyte complexes and decreased fertilization rates. Endocrinology, 151(11), 5438-5445.
DOI Scopus313 WoS283 Europe PMC244
2010 Yang, X., Dunning, K., Linyan Wu, L., Hickey, T., Norman, R., Russell, D., . . . Robker, R. (2010). Identification of Perilipin-2 as a lipid droplet protein regulated in oocytes during maturation. Reproduction Fertility and Development, 22(8), 1262-1271.
DOI Scopus50 WoS47 Europe PMC43
2010 Brown, H., Dunning, K., Robker, R., Boerboom, D., Pritchard, M., Lane, M., & Russell, D. (2010). ADAMTS1 cleavage of versican mediates essential structural remodeling of the ovarian follicle and cumulus-oocyte matrix during ovulation in mice. Biology of Reproduction, 83(4), 549-557.
DOI Scopus141 WoS125 Europe PMC119
2007 Anson, D., McIntyre, C., Thomas, B., Koldej, R., Ranieri, E., Derrick Roberts, A., . . . Byers, S. (2007). Lentiviral-mediated gene correction of mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA. Genetic Vaccines and Therapy, 5(6), WWW 1-WWW 8.
DOI Scopus20 Europe PMC18
2007 Dunning, K., Lane, M., Brown, H., Yeo, C., Robker, R., & Russell, D. (2007). Altered composition of the cumulus-oocyte complex matrix during in vitro maturation of oocytes. Human Reproduction, 22(11), 2842-2850.
DOI Scopus70 WoS62 Europe PMC53
2007 Kremer, K., Dunning, K., Parsons, D., & Anson, D. (2007). Gene delivery to airway epithetiat cells in vivo: a direct comparison of apicat and basotateral transduction strategies using pseudotyped, lentivirus vectors. Journal of Gene Medicine, 9(5), 362-368.
DOI Scopus56 WoS53 Europe PMC54
2006 Brown, H., Dunning, K., Robker, R., Pritchard, M., & Russell, D. (2006). Requirement for ADAMTS-1 in extracellular matrix remodeling during ovarian folliculogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Developmental Biology, 300(2), 699-709.
DOI Scopus114 WoS103 Europe PMC100
2005 Anson, D., & Dunning, K. (2005). Codon-optimized reading frames facilitate high-level expression of the HIV-1 minor proteins. Molecular Biotechnology, 31(1), 85-88.
DOI Scopus6 WoS5 Europe PMC6
2004 Hii, C., Anson, D., Costabile, M., Mukaro, V., Dunning, K., & Ferrante, A. (2004). Characterization of the MEK5-ERK5 module in human neutrophils and its relationship to ERK1/ERK2 in the chemotactic response. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 279(48), 49825-49834.
DOI Scopus34 WoS33 Europe PMC31

Year Citation
2019 Findlay, J. K., Dunning, K. R., Gilchrist, R. B., Hutt, K. J., Russell, D. L., & Walters, K. A. (2019). Follicle Selection in Mammalian Ovaries. In P. Leung, & E. Adashi (Eds.), The Ovary (3 ed., pp. 3-21). United Kingdom: Academic Press.
DOI

Year Citation
2024 Dunning, K. (2024). Non-invasive evaluation of embryo metabolic activity through hyperspectral microscopy. In HUMAN REPRODUCTION Vol. 39 (pp. 2 pages). NETHERLANDS, Amsterdam: OXFORD UNIV PRESS.
2023 Dwapanyin, G. O., Chow, D. J. X., Tan, T. C. Y., Dubost, N. S., Morizet, J. M., Dunning, K. R., & Dholakia, K. (2023). Digital holographic microscopic assessment of embryo quality. In Frontiers in Optics: Proceedings Frontiers in Optics + Laser Science 2023, FiO, LS 2023 (pp. FM1E.2). Online: Optical Society of America.
DOI
2021 Li, J., Capon, P. K., Horsfall, A. J., Yagoub, S., Schartner, E. P., Khalid, A., . . . Abell, A. D. (2021). Single-fiber-based probe for combined imaging and pH sensing. In Proceedings of the 2021 IEEE Photonics Conference (IPC 2021) (pp. 1-2). online: IEEE.
DOI
2019 Dunning, K. R., Campugan, C., Tan, C., Mahbub, S., Goldys, E., Thompson, J., . . . Mustafa, S. (2019). Hyperspectral imaging of the early embryo: can it detect chromosome abnormalities and predict IVF success?. In Label-free Biomedical Imaging and Sensing (LBIS) Vol. 10890:108900I (pp. 1-3). online: SPIE.
DOI Scopus2 WoS1
2019 Sylvia, G. M., Schartner, E. P., McLennan, H. J., Saini, A., Dunning, K. R., Purdey, M. S., . . . Thompson, J. G. (2019). High precision pH measurements in biological environments using a portable optical fibre pH sensor. In E. M. Goldys, & B. C. Gibson (Eds.), Biophotonics Australasia 2019 Vol. 11202 (pp. 112020F-1-112020F-2). Bellingham, Washington: SPIE.
DOI
2011 Russell, D. L., Matson, L. N., Dunning, K. R., Thompson, J. G., Robker, R. L., & Gilchrist, R. B. (2011). Patterning the Response to Oocyte Signals in Ovarian Follicle Morphogenesis.. In BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION Vol. 85 (pp. 2 pages). Portland, OR: SOC STUDY REPRODUCTION.
2011 Akison, L. K., Alvino, E. R., Dunning, K. R., Robker, R. L., & Russell, D. L. (2011). Migratory, Invasive and Adhesive Phenotypes Are Transiently Induced in the Cumulus Oocyte Complex at Ovulation.. In BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION Vol. 85 (pp. 2 pages). Portland, OR: SOC STUDY REPRODUCTION.
2010 Dunning, K., Norman, R., & Robker, R. (2010). The Importance of Fatty Acid Oxidation in a 3-D Ovarian Follicle Culture System: Increased β-oxidation and Improved Oocyte Developmental Competence in Response to L-carnitine. In AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY Vol. 50 (pp. 24). WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC.
2010 Dunning, K. R., Cashman, K., Russell, D. L., Thompson, J., Norman, R., & Robker, R. L. (2010). Increased Beta-Oxidation, ATP Levels, and Improved Oocyte Developmental Competence in Response to L-Carnitine. In BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION (pp. 84). Milwaukee, WI: SOC STUDY REPRODUCTION.
2010 Yang, X., Wu, L. L., Dunning, K. R., Norman, R. J., Liang, X., & Robker, R. L. (2010). OBESITY ON INCREASES LIPID DROPLETS AND LIPOTOXICITY RESPONSES IN THE PERIOVULATORY CUMULUS-OOCYTECOMPLEX.. In FERTILITY AND STERILITY Vol. 94 (pp. S138-S139). Denver, CO: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC.
DOI
2010 Wu, L. L., Dunning, K. R., Yang, X., Russell, D. L., Norman, R. J., & Robker, R. L. (2010). Oocytes Exhibit Lipid Accumulation, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Apoptosis in Response to High Fat Diet. In BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION (pp. 91). Milwaukee, WI: SOC STUDY REPRODUCTION.
WoS1
2009 Dunning, K. R., Cashman, K., Russell, D. L., Norman, R. N., & Robker, R. L. (2009). The Role of Beta-Oxidation During Oocyte Maturation and Embryo Development.. In BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION (pp. 54). Pittsburgh, PA: SOC STUDY REPRODUCTION.
2008 Dunning, K. R. (2008). Normal follicle growth and maturation in a three-dimensional in vitro culture system: follicular environment manipulation and assessment of oocyte outcomes.. In Reproduction, Fertility and Development Vol. 20 (pp. 108). Australia: CSIRO Publishing.
2007 Dunning, K., Lane, M., Brown, H., Yeo, C., Thompson, J., Robker, R., & Russell, D. (2007). Altered cumulus oocyte matrix following in vitro maturation of oocytes.. In BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION Vol. 77 (pp. 199). San Antonio, TX: SOC STUDY REPRODUCTION.
DOI WoS1
2006 Russell, D. L., Brown, H. M., Dunning, K. R., Pritchard, M. A., & Robker, R. L. (2006). Ovarian folliculogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are dependent on ECM remodelling by the protease ADAMTS-1.. In BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION (pp. 109). Univ Nebraska Med Ctr, Omaha, NE: SOC STUDY REPRODUCTION.
2005 Dunning, K., Yeo, C., & Russell, D. (2005). Altered matrix composition of cumulus oocyte complexes following in vitro maturation. In Reproduction Fertility and Development Vol. 17 (pp. 90). C S I R O Publishing.
DOI

Year Citation
- Campugan, C. A., Perella, C., Tan, T. C. Y., Lim, M., Arita, Y., Schartner, E. P., . . . Dunning, K. (n.d.). Raw Data associated with Microrheology of the Cumulus-Oocyte Matrix using Optical Tweezers.
DOI

Year Citation
2025 Monteiro, G. B., Lim, M., Tan, T. C. Y., Upadhya, A., Liang, Z., Agnew, B., . . . Dholakia, K. (2025). A neuromorphic camera for tracking passive and active matter with lower
data throughput.
2024 Peterkovic, Z., Upadhya, A., Perrella, C., Bajraktarevic, A., Gonzalez, R. B., Lim, M., . . . Dholakia, K. (2024). Optimising image capture for low-light widefield quantitative
fluorescence microscopy.

2024-2027  NHMRC Ideas Grant. Suspended by sound: A novel approach to grow developmentally competent oocytes in vitro, $1,387,127.

2021-24      NHMRC Ideas Grant. A new light on diagnosing embryo health, $1,266,777

2022-24      Australasian Pork Research Institute Limited, Precision monitoring of reproductive state via development of pen side mucus testing and continuous remote monitoring, CI Dunning, $414,438

2014-20      ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP), $38M (total), $5.4M pro rata – duration for which I was a Chief Investigator

2019          Awarded competitive joint Adelaide/Nottingham (UK) PhD scholarship for the group, Utilising light and sound for ART (assisted reproductive technologies), $120,000

2020-23      The Hospital Research Foundation Mid-Career Fellowship, Determining embryo health with a light touch: label-free imaging to detect chromosome mosaicism, $406,750

2020          Barbara Kidman Fellowship, The University of Adelaide $30,000

2020          Robinson Research Institute Innovation Seed Grant, $25,000

2018          Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Emerging Leadership Development Program, $40,000

2018          Robinson Research Institute, Invest for Success Grant, $28,250

2018          Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Emerging Leadership Development Program, $40,000

2018          Robinson Research Institute, Invest for Success Grant, $28,250

2018          Ian Potter Foundation Research Grant: Vevo 3100; $360,000, AI Dunning     

2017          Robinson Research Institute Career Development Fellowship, $60,000

2012-17      ARC Discovery Early Career Award (DECRA), Biomimetic systems for species preservation and fertility restoration, $375,000

2017          Robinson Research Institute Grant, Story telling and science of pregnancy loss. CIB Dunning, $18,000

2017          Society for Reproductive Biology, ECR Collaborative Research Award, $1500

2015          Robinson Research Institute Innovation Seed Grant, Preventing and Alleviating Infertility: Enabling the best start in life, CIC Dunning, $25,000

2012          Channel 7 Children’s Foundation Research Grant, The impact of lipotoxicity in the ovaries and oocytes of obese women on embryo health, CIB Dunning, $48,000

2011          Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation Research Project Grant, Modulating Lipid Metabolism to Improve the Growth of Follicles and Oocytes in vitro, $50,000

2011          Channel 7 Children’s Foundation Research Grant, Preservation of Female Fertility, $35,000

2024                           Lecturer: Life-course (third year, Medicine Degree, Bachelor of Medical Studies)

2023                           Lecturer: Principles of Human Health and Disease (first year, Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences)

2023                           Lecturer:  Investigative Cell Biology (third year, Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences)

2014-2017                  Lecturer, Research Projects in Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide

2015                           Lecturer, Human Reproductive Health III, University of Adelaide

2010-2015                  Lecturer, Honours Program, School of Paediatrics & Reproductive Health

2006-2007                 Tutor, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students

Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
2025 Principal Supervisor A new wave for ovary tissue growth in vitro Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Zoe Delaney
2024 Principal Supervisor Investigate the impact of discrete wavelengths of light on preimplantation embryo development. Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Shan Li
2023 Principal Supervisor Does cryopreservation induce aneuploidy in embryos? Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Tong Li
2022 Co-Supervisor Advanced Methods of Beam Shaping and Their Implementation in Multiphoton Microscopy Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Ramses Eduardo Bautista Gonzalez

Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
2020 - 2025 Principal Supervisor Utilising Light in Assistive Reproductive Technologies Doctor of Philosophy under a Jointly-awarded Degree Agreement with Doctorate Full Time Mr Carl Adrian Campugan
2019 - 2024 Principal Supervisor Label-free Optical Approaches for the Non-invasive Assessment of Embryo Quality Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Darren Jin Xiang Chow
2018 - 2023 Principal Supervisor Towards Automation of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Suliman Hassan Suliman Yagoub
2017 - 2020 Co-Supervisor The Role of Haemoglobin in Healthy Oocyte Development Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Megan Lim
2017 - 2022 Principal Supervisor Optical imaging detects metabolic signatures associated with oocyte and embryo quality Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Cheow Yuen Tan
2017 - 2025 Co-Supervisor Novel photonics sensing methods to investigate early embryo development Master of Philosophy (Medical Science) Master Full Time Avishkar Saini

Date Role Committee Institution Country
2024 - ongoing Co-Chair Program Organising Committee Society for Reproductive Biology Australia
2022 - 2025 Chair MS McLeod Research Fund Women's & Children's Hospital Research Foundation Australia
2019 - 2022 Member Society for Reproductive Biology Committee Society for Reproductive Biology Australia
2018 - ongoing Co-Chair Local Organising Committee Society for Reproductive Biology Australia

Date Role Membership Country
2023 - ongoing Member SPIE. The international society for optics and photonics Australia
2007 - ongoing Member Society for the Study of Reproduction United States
2005 - ongoing Member Society for Reproductive Biology Australia

Date Role Editorial Board Name Institution Country
2024 - ongoing Editor Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Springer Nature United States
2018 - ongoing Board Member Scientific Reports Nature Portfolio United Kingdom

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