Research Briefings

The Cerebral Palsy Research Briefings bring together some of the world's leading researchers on cerebral palsy intervention and prevention to share their latest research findings.

The June 2010 Research Briefing featured Professor James Blackman from the University of Virginia and Professor Michael Msall from the University of Chicago.

Download a copy of the presentations or listen to the podcast.

2nd Research Briefing

Associate Professor Eve Blair was the special guest speaker at the second Cerebral Palsy Foundation Research Briefing held at Notre Dame University in February. Professor Blair is a world expert in identifying the causes of cerebral palsy and currently works at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research in Western Australia. Read more...

View photos of the evening

Fabulous Fundraising

Kalia D’Angelo, a Year 10 student at Monte Sant’ Angelo based at North Sydney, raised more than $10,000 for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. She organised and hosted a function held at the Hunters Hill Parish Hall on Friday 30 April. In attendance were Lane Coves’ MP Anthony Roberts, Principal of Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College – Catherine Alcock and a very grateful Marisa Chilcott, Cerebral Palsy Foundation’s Partnerships Manager.

Breaking News

Thanks to new evidence of the brain's plasticity, there's growing excitement amongst the research community at the potential of finding the answers to CP in our lifetime.

Read more...

Macquarie Group Foundation Chair of Cerebral Palsy

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Nadia Badawi as the Macquarie Group Foundation Chair of Cerebral Palsy. Professor Badawi commenced her position in October and will be based at Notre Dame University, School of Medicine leading our dedicated team of researchers at the Cerebral Palsy Institute.

Professor Badawi is a world renowned neonatologist who has extensive experience working in the field of cerebral palsy. She is Medical Director of The Grace Centre for Newborn Care, the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. She is also Honorary Research Fellow at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, WA and Clinical Associate Professor in Paediatrics at the University of Sydney.

With an outstanding record in attracting and leading research in the area of cerebral palsy, one of her key roles as Chair will be to develop and implement a strategic plan for future CP research priorities. This builds on our own work already undertaken into the global research agenda. This position has been funded by the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, with funding from both the Macquarie Group Foundation and the Commonwealth Government.

Life Matters

In an interview on ABC's Life Matters, Richard Aedy talks to Cerebral Palsy Foundation's CEO, Rob White and Anne Masi who has a daughter with cerebral palsy.

They talk about the latest research and findings, and why it's so important to support this cause.

Listen to the interview....

Marathon Effort

Justin Gallagher, completed the Comrades Marathon in 2008. An epic 87 km run, mostly uphill, all in less than 9 hours. His efforts raised almost $90,000 for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. He has now launched his official diary of his Comrades marathon Run. The book is a great read for anyone interested in marathon running, giving insights into preparation and the mechanics of a big race.

You can continue to support Justin and purchase a copy of his book with all proceeds raised going to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. To purchase a copy, please contact Erin at 1300 55 11 37 or cpfadmin@tscnsw.org.au

Read the media release

Inaugural Research Briefing

Cerebral Palsy Foundation Director, Marelle Thornton AM, addressed our inaugural Research Briefing at the University of Notre Dame. Guest presenter, Professor Alastair MacLennan from The University of Adelaide, Women's & Children's Hospital North engaged the audience with his current research project. Read Marelle Thornton’s address (PDF - 102 KB) on the night.

Breaking News

Mr Neil Balnaves has donated $450,000 to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation for a research program to help find a cure for cerebral palsy. Mr Balnaves is Director of The Balnaves Foundation, a private philanthropic organisation. His donation is the largest personal donation ever received by the Cerebral Palsy Foundation for research.

The $450,000 donation will be used over three years to establish The Balnaves Cerebral Palsy Research Program. Part of the research will result in the establishment of an early diagnostic service which will aim to identify cerebral palsy early in a baby’s life, as early as 12 weeks of age. These newly diagnosed babies may then be able participate in a series of research studies aimed at lessening the degree of brain injury and optimising brain repair in the early years.

Mr Rob White, CEO of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, said The Balnaves Foundation should be congratulated for funding this exciting research program.

View photographs from the launch

The Bulls & Bears Charity Trophy Golf Day

The Cerebral Palsy Foundation would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who was involved in The Bulls & Bears Charity Trophy Golf Day held at The Lakes Golf Club at Mascot.

More than $121,000 was raised for research into the cure for the most common, physical disability in childhood – cerebral palsy. A near capacity group of 23 teams (92 players) competed in the Ambrose four ball competition event that was held in prefect conditions.

The money raised from the event will be used to continue to support the work of the Bulls & Bears Researcher - Dr Alicia Spittle's Post Doctoral Research Scholarship at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute. Dr Spittle is looking at development and the prevention of cerebral palsy.

Winners and qualifiers for the charity challenge final: JB Were Team: Andrew Tracy, Bede Hendren, Peter Gibson, Richard Allely, Richard Pethers

Runners Up: Content Security, Louis Abdilla, Barry Jones, Leon Catague, Oscar Gonzalez

Best Scratch/Gross: Novus, Steven Hing, Steve Layton, Simon Pearce, David Nesbitt

Ladies’ Perpetual Trophy Winner: Amanda Cook

Thank you to our sponsors
• Wilson Asset Management • SecuritEase • Australian Golf Digest
• Wood Aged Holdings • Hawaiian Airlines • Optus • Morningstar Magazines (IFA)

View photographs from the event

Research Update

A summary is now available of the ground-breaking work being done around the world to find a prevention and cure for cerebral palsy. We have summarised some of the findings from the International Cerebral Palsy Conference that the Foundation sponsored earlier this year. Read more on our CEO update Download pdf