Centre of Research Excellence – Australasian Cerebral Palsy Health Network (Aus-CP-Health-Net)

Our research focus

The Australasian Cerebral Palsy Health Network (Aus-CP-Health-Net) leads world-class research to transform health outcomes for children with cerebral palsy.

Our work spans five key areas:

1. Early Detection and Intervention: We have revolutionised early diagnosis, reducing the age of identification to under six months, and developed and proven early interventions such as LEAP, REACH and HABIT-ILE to optimise motor and cognitive development.
2. Intensive Neurorehabilitation and Physical Activity: Through more than 50 randomised controlled trials, we have established evidence-based programs like ACTIVE STRIDES, ACTIVE START and Frame Running to improve mobility, fitness, and participation for children and adolescents.
3. Mental Health and Sleep: Our research addresses critical challenges of pain, sleep disorders, and mental health, delivering innovative therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for parents and adolescents, along with tailored sleep interventions.
4. Precision Medicine and Biomarkers: We are advancing personalised care through cutting-edge neuroimaging, genomics, and artificial intelligence, enabling earlier prediction of outcomes and tailoring interventions to individual needs.
5. Implementation and Translation: Beyond discovery, we focus on translating evidence into practice through clinician training, digital health tools, and policy engagement, ensuring equitable access to high-quality care across Australia and globally.

View our workstreams