Ching Tat Lai

Dr. Ching Tat Lai is a Research Fellow at the School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, affiliated with the Centre for Human Lactation Research and Translation. He holds a BSc, MSc, and PhD from UWA, completing his postgraduate studies in the Hartmann Human Lactation Laboratory. His research focuses on human milk composition, lactation physiology, and nutritional support for pre-term infants. Collaborations include work with Professor Paula Meier at the University of Illinois, Chicago.

Education: BSc (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, UWA, 1996), Postgraduate Diploma, MSc, and PhD (Hartmann Lab, UWA).

Research interests emphasize milk production dynamics, breastfeeding physiology, and the role of breast milk in pre-term infant nutrition. Key projects include studies on milk expression regimes, maternal-infant microbiome interactions, and the impact of maternal diet on milk components. He leads grants funded by Medela and collaborates on large-scale cohorts like the BLOSOM study.

Recent articles explore infant oral microbiome development, milk production predictors, and biomarkers of low milk supply. His work aligns with UN SDG goals related to health and sustainable development. Grants include investigations into maternal nutrition, milk microbiome transplantation, and breastfeeding challenges in mothers with T2DM.

Labs/Teams: Involved in the Hartmann Human Lactation Lab and collaborates with international teams on breastfeeding and neonatal nutrition.