Research
The Research Challenge
Until recently, research into cerebral palsy prevention, cure and intervention has not been a high priority in Australia or overseas.
The Research Foundation of Cerebral Palsy Alliance is seeking to raise a sustainable research pool of $50 million dollars.
We invite you to be a partner with us to find a breakthrough in the prevention and cure of cerebral palsy.
Quick Facts
- 1 in 400 babies is diagnosed with cerebral palsy
- The incidence of cerebral palsy has not declined despite advances in medical science
- More premature babies are surviving and they have a higher risk of cerebral palsy
- We do not understand many of the causes of cerebral palsy, or how to cure it.
Research Priorities
The Delphi Study, an internationally accredited process using experts from around the world, has identified our research priorities. The optimal areas of research include:
- Genetics – factors that predispose babies to injury and blood clotting
- Infection and inflammation - infections that cause cerebral palsy
- Blood diseases - blood clotting and stroke risk factors
- Injury timing and outcome - causes in premature and full-term babies.
The foundation is addressing research challenges by:
- Building research capacity through doctoral and post-doctoral scholarships. View map
- A partnership with the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) which matches funds for eligible grant projects, doubles the amount of funding received by the researcher.
- Funding high calibre researchers already working on prevention strategies, to accelerate outcomes.
- Bringing together the best minds on cerebral palsy research from around the world to find the answers to the big research questions.
- Advancing the Australian Cerebral Palsy Register.
- Sharing critical information internationally by sponsoring the 3rd International Cerebral Palsy Conference, Sydney 2009.
- Establishing a Chair in Cerebral Palsy for strategic leadership in the field of cerebral palsy research worldwide.
- Creating enduring and active affiliations with other organisations such as United Cerebral Palsy America.







