The Commonwealth Government has announced funding of more than half a million dollars to the Hunter Medical Research Institute for University of Newcastle researchers looking into the effects of maternal asthma on unborn babies.

The $590,750 grant will allow Associate Professor Vicki Clifton and her team to examine what effect a mother having asthma has on the growth and survival rate of her unborn baby.

Asthma is Australia's most widespread chronic health problem, affecting more than two million Australians.

This project will help researchers better understand under what conditions the human fetus is at risk, and will ultimately contribute to knowledge about better treatment and management of asthma.

Established in 1998, the Hunter Medical Research Institute is a partnership between Hunter New England Health, the University of Newcastle and the community. As a research hub, it provides an environment for groundbreaking health and medical research.