Home

Contact Us

Intranet

Learn

Research Buddy Program

Our Research Buddy Program connects burn survivors and families directly with our research team.

The following projects are actively seeking Research Buddies. If you’d like to learn more or connect with our researchers, simply complete a short Expression of Interest Form—we’d love to have you involved.

Learn More

  • Developing next generation ‘spray-on skin’ technology

    Dr Andrew Stevenson

    Andy is a postdoctoral researcher in scar biology and regenerative medicine, investigating how to enhance healing outcomes and reduce scarring following burn injuries. His work focuses on developing next-generation RECELL® (‘spray- on skin’) technology by combining it with specially designed healing molecules and regenerative cells from fat tissue.

    As a Research Buddy, you will contribute to research that expands the body of knowledge on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of scar formation, which will help us develop innovative therapies that support skin regeneration and minimise long-term scarring for burn survivors.

  • Investigating the impact of burn injury on the immune system

    Dr Lucy Barrett

    Lucy is a postdoctoral researcher in immunology and molecular biology, investigating how burn injuries lead to long-term changes in the immune system. Her work focuses on understanding why people who have sustained a burn injury show increased susceptibility to illness, and identifying the changes to immune function following a burn injury.

    As a Research Buddy, you will contribute to research that expands the body of knowledge on the physiological impacts of burns, helping us develop better interventions and support strategies for burn survivors’ recovery and long-term health.

  • Investigating the link between burns and heart disease

    Dr Blair Johnson

    Blair is an early-career medical researcher specialising in the long-term physiological effects of burn injuries. His work investigates the links between burns and chronic diseases, with a particular focus on cardiovascular disease.

    As a Research Buddy, you will contribute to research aiming to identify early interventions that may help prevent long-term secondary health conditions. Help us understand the impact of burn injury beyond the physical scar!

  • Understanding the links between burn injury and the brain

    Dr Ann-Maree Vallence

    Lucy is a postdoctoral researcher in immunology and molecular biology, investigating how burn injuries lead to long-term changes in the immune system. Her work focuses on understanding why people who have sustained a burn injury show increased susceptibility to illness, and identifying the changes to immune function following a burn injury.

    As a Research Buddy, you will contribute to research that expands the body of knowledge on the physiological impacts of burns, helping us develop better interventions and support strategies for burn survivors’ recovery and long-term health.

Who can join?

Our Burn Family is open to anyone affected by a burn injury, including:

  • Adults who have experienced a burn injury.
  • Parents and caregivers of children with burn injuries.
  • Family members and loved ones supporting someone through recovery.
  • Anyone whose life has been impacted by burn injury and would like to stay connected with the Fiona Wood Foundation.

What to expect

When you join our Burn Family Community, you can choose to:

  • Receive our quarterly FWF Impact newsletter.
  • Hear about community events and forums.
  • Access resources that support wellbeing and recovery in mind and body.
  • Take part in research studies and other initiatives if they are of interest to you.
  • Share your experience if you would like to contribute to community awareness.

You’re always in control of your involvement—choose what information you receive and how you’d like to take part, in a way that works best for you.

How to get involved

Complete the Burn Family Engagement Form and let us know how you would like to connect. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you can update your preferences or choose to step back at any time. Your communication choices will never affect your care or your relationship with the Foundation or burns team.

For more information about how the Foundation handles your details, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Already part of our Burn Family?

If you are already connected with the Foundation, you can review or update your information at any time. This helps us ensure you receive the types of updates that feel useful and relevant to you.

Review Your Information