Dr Dennis Thomas has been announced as the recipient of the 2026 Asthma and Airways Career Development Fellowship, jointly funded by the National Asthma Council Australia and The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand.
Dr Thomas plans to use the Fellowship to undertake world-first research to establish the prevalence of sustained asthma remission – defined as remission lasting more than five years – across different asthma endotypes, severity levels and treatment options.
His research will also be the first global evaluation of health conditions that may affect whether someone reaches remission.
Dr Thomas said that although remission represents a major breakthrough in the management of severe asthma, it remains a relatively new concept with limited understanding.
“My research will aim to deepen our understanding of asthma remission and this project is first step in establishing sustained asthma remission as a realistic and predictable goal for all people with asthma.
“It is my hope that this will improve the quality of life for thousands of people with asthma as well as reducing the cost and burden of illness and can be used to help to guide future treatment strategies,” he said.
National Asthma Council Australia CEO, Rhonda Cleveland, said Dr Thomas is already at the forefront of advancing remission in asthma and it was exciting to further his research towards long lasting asthma remission for all.
“Supporting the Asthma and Airways Career Development Fellowship aligns with the National Asthma Council Australia’s commitment to build capacity and knowledge within the research and clinical community and to drive best practice in asthma care using evidence based guidelines and collaborative partnerships.
“It is also a way to give thanks for the generous support of many respiratory experts who provide their expertise in the development of the National Asthma Council Australia resources and educational programs,” she said.
The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand CEO, Vincent So, said “Dr Thomas’s work reflects the strength of emerging leadership in respiratory research and the important progress being made in asthma care. His focus on asthma remission addresses a key gap in our current understanding and has clear potential to improve patient outcomes over time. Through this Fellowship, TSANZ is pleased to support both the development of a talented researcher and a program of work that aligns closely with our commitment to advancing evidence-based lung health.”
Dr Thomas’s study will evaluate the sustained asthma remission rate using Australasian Severe Asthma Registry data.
The aim of the Asthma and Airways Career Development Fellowship is to enable mid-career investigators to establish themselves as independent, self-directed researchers and foster the development of research in respiratory medicine in Australia and New Zealand. The Fellowship is jointly funded by the National Asthma Council Australia and the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand and is to the value of $60,000 for one year.
For further information or an interview with Dr Thomas please contact:
Donna Le Page, Le Page PR
Mobile: 0429 825 703 Email: [email protected]
