Dr Raquel Alvarado
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science (with AIMS accreditation), Honours (First Class), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Immunology, Parasitology
As Director of clinical research of our group, I coordinate the investigation of novel diagnostic and treatment options in the management of rhinologic and skull base disorders in real life clinical settings.
For more than 10 years I have been the Director of Clinical Research of the Rhinology and Skull Base Research Group (lead by Prof Richard Harvey) of the St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research. As well, I am a senior upper airways scientist at a tertiary rhinology practice.
I have also worked as a casual academic being involved in teaching of practical and tutorials as well as lecturing across disciplines of immunology, haematology, microscopy and cytometry. I have been involved in development of course materials for a research inspired, collaborative immunology curriculum. As a conjoint Senior Lecturer of the University of NSW I have co- supervised ILP and Honours UNSW undergraduate students as well contributed in the supervision of UNSW and MHU PhD candidates. I have authored over 65 peer reviewed publications (with a H-index of 23) and have presented at national and international conferences. I have also been invited to participate as guest lecturer, and have been a member of faculty/coordinated professional development courses, that enable further training of otolaryngologists, respiratory physicians, immunologists, allergists and GP’s.
- Publications
- Media
- Grants
- Awards
- Research Activities
- Engagement
- Teaching and Supervision
In my role I have collaborated with pharmacological companies for industry sponsored studies (SYNAPSE study – GSK/ The effect of Betamethasone Dipropionate on patients with eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis – Oticara).
I have also contributed in the application and management of educational grants to the rhinology research group trust fund (used for research projects associated to UNSW) and coordination with industry (e.g. medication donation for study REGIS ID 2019/PID04424 by GSK and Sanofi, for study REGIS ID 2021/PID02338 by Stallergenes and for study REGIS ID 2025/PID01744 by P&G).
Competitive grant applications (NHMRC 2017, St Vincent’s Clinic & Curran 2021).
Our research group, lead by Prof Richard Harvey, is actively involved in tertiary research at all levels of medical and surgical rhinologic and skull base care. Our projects involve both international collaborations, and multi-centre studies within Australia.
Our current studies include:
Effects of biologic medications in airway disease (CRS, eCRS, Type 2 inflammation)
Diagnostic treatment protocols for rhinitis, sinusitis and tumours
Novel topical therapies in CRS management
Diagnosis and interventions for the perception of nasal obstruction
Clinical outcomes in skull base surgery
Pituitary tumour genetics, diagnosis, treatment and surgery
Outcomes assessment for open rhinoplasty and endoscopic turbinate reduction
Basic and clinical science to the etiopathogenesis of CRS
A tissue bank program allowing a range of other research projects
If you would like more information about our research, or are interested in becoming involved in any of our projects please contact us on +61 2 9360 4811 or noselab@sydneyentclinic.com. We conduct our research meetings on alternate Wednesdays from 5:30pm in the Level 8 conference room at St Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research (AMR), entrance at 405 Liverpool St. If you would like to attend, please contact us ahead of time so that we can coordinate access (if entering the building after 5pm, you will need swipe access to get in the front doors and also up the lift). For OH&S reasons, if you do not have a SVMHS swipe card, you must sign in to the AMR visitor book.
My Research Supervision
Currently Co-supervising
2026 A. Desai Using Rhinogram Image Analysis to Predict Clinical Diagnosis in Patients Presenting with Chronic Nasal Symptoms
2026 W. Zhang Thermoreceptor Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin-8 (TRPM8) Modification as a Strategy for Persistent Postnasal Drip and Mucus Symptoms
Past Co-supervision
2025 R. Hua Incidence and Prevalence of Nasal Valve Collapse in Airway Testing
2025 J. Quao Differences in Mucosal Immune Cell Populations Between Responders and Poorly Controlled Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients on Monoclonal Antibody Therapy
2025 R. Hua Incidence and Prevalence of Nasal Valve Collapse in Airway Testing
2022 B. Seresirikachorn Clinical and Demographic Features of Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis vs Central Compartment Atopic Disease
2022 T. Guirguis Initial oral escalation symptoms as a predictor of long-term outcomes for subinguinal immunotherapy treatment of allergic rhinitis
2021 A. Chong The immunotherapy modulation of symptom outcome from turbinate surgery