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Dr Kylie Dunning
Ext-Funded Research Fellow (D)
Robinson Research Institute
Division of Research and Innovation
Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.
Dr Kylie Dunning 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.
- My Research
- Career
- Publications
- Grants and Funding
- Teaching
- Supervision
- Professional Activities
- Contact
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
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Appointments
Date Position Institution name 2023 - ongoing Future Making Fellow 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 -
Awards and Achievements
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 Competencies
Language Competency English Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review -
Education
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 -
Research Interests
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Journals
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Book Chapters
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.
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Conference Papers
Year Citation 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. Online: Optical Society of America.
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.
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.
Scopus2 WoS12019 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.
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.
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.
WoS12009 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.
WoS12006 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.
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Conference Items
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
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Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name 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 2020 Co-Supervisor Improving in vitro maturation of oocytes by bringing research together: can we get synergy? Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Annie Louise Whitty 2020 Principal Supervisor Utilising light and sound in Assisted Reproductive Technologies Doctor of Philosophy under a Jointly-awarded Degree Agreement with Doctorate Full Time Mr Carl Adrian Campugan 2017 Co-Supervisor Non-reproductive uses of Zonae Pellucida Master of Philosophy (Medical Science) Master Full Time Avishkar Saini -
Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name 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
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Committee Memberships
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 -
Memberships
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 -
Editorial Boards
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
Connect With Me
External Profiles