The Future of Coeliac Disease Research & Diagnosis with Principal Scientist Dr. Andrew Williams from Westmead Children’s Hospital

A Gluten Free Podcast Episode 184 In this episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Andrew Williams, Principal Scientist at Westmead Children’s Hospital in Sydney, Australia. Dr. Williams has spent decades researching coeliac disease and the complex immunological processes behind it. We explore how coeliac disease research has evolved, what still needs to change, and how early diagnosis in children could significantly improve health outcomes across Australia and globally.We dive into the inspiration behind Dr. Williams’ career in immunological research, his earliest experiences working with children diagnosed with coeliac disease, and what initially drew his attention to this autoimmune condition. With so many people still undiagnosed, we talk about how Australia compares to other countries like Italy, where screening children for coeliac disease and Type 1 diabetes is already underway.We also discuss promising innovations like the Novoleukin blood test—a tool being developed to detect coeliac disease even in people who are already on a gluten-free diet. This episode offers a hopeful and practical look into how coeliac disease awareness, testing methods, and healthcare systems could shift for the better—if we focus our efforts in the right places.What We Cover:How Dr. Andrew Williams became involved in coeliac disease researchWhat we knew (and didn’t know) about coeliac disease when he began his careerMajor milestones in coeliac disease research over the past few decadesReal-life stories from the clinic that shaped his perspectiveThe critical need for early diagnosis in children with coeliac diseaseWhy so many Australians remain undiagnosed and what needs to changeHow other countries like Italy are taking proactive steps to improve coeliac screeningThe future of coeliac disease testing, including the upcoming Novoleukin diagnostic toolWhat parents of children with coeliac disease need to knowHow one powerful conversation reminded him why this work matters📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Sydney Children’s Hospitals NetworkCoeliac Australia 💡 Why This Episode Matters: Coeliac disease is estimated to affect 1 in 70 Australians, yet 4 out of 5 people with the condition remain undiagnosed. That’s a staggering number—and it underscores the need for better education, earlier testing, and ongoing research. Dr. Williams’ passion and expertise highlight just how important it is to push past outdated approaches and invest in new strategies that can truly change lives.🔗 Connect With A Gluten Free Family:Website: https://www.aglutenfreefamily.com.au/ InstaHead to happytummies.com.au & use our code GFCHRISTMAS to save 20% off Free From Family Co everyday range! Valid from 8th Nov - 25th December, 2025.  Up to 25% discounts on Bask & Co products site-wide and with NO discount codes required! FREE shipping on orders over $99. Only while stocks last! Shop here🥣 Celiac Cruise - a 100% gluten free vacation cruise is setting sail on two Australian cruises in 2026: one to the South Pacific and the other to New Zealand. There'll of course be awesome 100% gluten free food onboard, heaps of fun stuff to do, educational talks and a community of people who understand each other. Buy your tickets here & see ya onboard gluten free fam! 

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