REACH: Randomised Trial Of EArly Rehabilitation In Congenital Hemiplegia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$972,777.00
Summary
Infants with asymmetric brain lesions are at high risk of congenital hemiplegia. This study compares modified CIMT to an equal dose of bimanual training in 150 infants recruited at 3-6 months. Both therapies will be parent-delivered supported by experienced clinicians. Outcomes include use of the impaired hand in bimanual tasks, cognitive and motor development at 12 and 24 months c.a. with measures of neural structure and functional connectivity at 24 months. Early interventions that attenuate
Characterisation Of Eurl, A Novel Gene Implicated In The Etiology Of Abnormal Brain Development And Intellectual Disability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,541.00
Summary
Intellectual disability affects around one per cent of Australians, and can arise from genetic abnormalities during fetal life, such as through abnormal regulation of gene expression. We have identified a novel gene, known as eurl, which controls brain assembly as well as the ability of neurons to form functional connections within the brain. We will investigate how this novel gene controls brain development, and characterise eurl as a potential therapeutic target for learning and memory.
The Role Of The Zinc Finger Transcriptional Repressor Znf238 During Nerve Cell Maturation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$394,264.00
Summary
Proper foetal brain assembly is critical for brain function, but the underlying genetic mechanisms remain poorly defined. In this study, I will investigate a family of proteins that “turn on” neural gene expression in combination with another protein that “turns off” their expression during nerve cell development. Understanding this novel on/off mechanism for controlling gene expression in newborn nerve cells will further our understanding of how the brain is assembled.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150100731
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$361,744.00
Summary
Contextual supports for the early development of self-regulated learning. How do young children develop critical learning behaviours that are the key for their future academic success? What kinds of environments support this development? This project aims to answer these questions by investigating the development of regulatory behaviours (with a specific focus on self-regulated learning) during the first two years of schooling, and identifying critical contextual variables at home and at school ....Contextual supports for the early development of self-regulated learning. How do young children develop critical learning behaviours that are the key for their future academic success? What kinds of environments support this development? This project aims to answer these questions by investigating the development of regulatory behaviours (with a specific focus on self-regulated learning) during the first two years of schooling, and identifying critical contextual variables at home and at school impacting on this development. Findings from this research will provide crucial information for the design of family and practitioner-based interventions helping to improve the educational outcomes of young Australians.Read moreRead less
A Pedagogy for Multiliteracies with Information and Communication Technologies in Early Childhood Education. The goal of this project is to determine the most effective pedagogy for the use of ICT in Australian early childhood education. The research is essential in order to plan for a world-class educational future for young Australians. A collaborative action-research program will be undertaken by three leading academics in association with a network of thirty-six teachers in three states. Thi ....A Pedagogy for Multiliteracies with Information and Communication Technologies in Early Childhood Education. The goal of this project is to determine the most effective pedagogy for the use of ICT in Australian early childhood education. The research is essential in order to plan for a world-class educational future for young Australians. A collaborative action-research program will be undertaken by three leading academics in association with a network of thirty-six teachers in three states. This innovative research approach is based on a multiliteracies framework. The project will investigate how ICT can best be used for enhancing children's learning and identify specific ways in which teachers can develop multiliteracies in early childhood education environments. Read moreRead less
Building professional learning communities in a large Australian school district: School leadership within an information and communications technology (ICT) environment. Recent school restructuring in Australia has centred on devolution and the development of self-managing schools. In another layer of workplace complexity for school leaders, the past decade of educational restructuring has also been characterised by increased implementation and reliance upon ICT within the educational system, s ....Building professional learning communities in a large Australian school district: School leadership within an information and communications technology (ICT) environment. Recent school restructuring in Australia has centred on devolution and the development of self-managing schools. In another layer of workplace complexity for school leaders, the past decade of educational restructuring has also been characterised by increased implementation and reliance upon ICT within the educational system, schools and classrooms. Through a unique collaboration between a University and an entire School District as an industry partner, this study examines leadership attributes in an ICT rich environment. The study will provide information about how to maximize leadership skills in ICT-rich environments by developing an empirically-based innovative professional development model for Australian schools.Read moreRead less
ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child. Our vision is for Australian children to be healthy, educated and connected. This Centre will integrate child health, education, and digital and social connectedness, innovating across disciplines to meet Australia’s ongoing challenges of supporting young children growing up in a rapidly changing digital age. The Centre’s world-leading team investigates children’s digital practices through three interconnected research programs supported by a longi ....ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child. Our vision is for Australian children to be healthy, educated and connected. This Centre will integrate child health, education, and digital and social connectedness, innovating across disciplines to meet Australia’s ongoing challenges of supporting young children growing up in a rapidly changing digital age. The Centre’s world-leading team investigates children’s digital practices through three interconnected research programs supported by a longitudinal family cohort study and children’s technology laboratories. The Centre will address tensions in a contested field to inform government and non-government policy, technology innovation, and develop programs and guidelines for children, families, educators and technology developers. Read moreRead less
Australasian Cerebral Palsy Clinical Trials Network (AusCP-CTN): Optimising Interventions And Effective Services For Children With Cerebral Palsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,499,287.00
Summary
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is common and disability can be progressive so the heathcare burden is immense (0.14% GDP). Our Clinical trials network will improve early detection and develop new interventions to improve physical, cognitive and health outcomes for children with CP and their families. Recruitment from the national CP Register will address clinically important questions and test implementation of effective treatments. New Clinical Practice Guidelines will ensure translation internationally.
Stroke outcomes directly relate to brain tissue rescue. We have contributed to changes in clinical practice through many clinical trials of new protocols and therapeutic strategies. Our program will focus on brain salvage in the pre-hospital setting and the acute hospital environment. We will use novel approaches to enhance brain recovery and design new implementation strategies to maximise the benefits of these therapeutic advances.
Restoration Of Cognitive Deficits Induced By Diabetes Through The Modulation Of Cerebrovascular Integrity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$261,251.00
Summary
Diabetes is a known risk factor for the development of dementia. However the details of this association have not been known. Recent evidence consistently shows that the integrity of blood vessels in the brain may be central to the onset of dementia, and consistently, damaged brain blood vessels are often reported in diabetic patients and animal models. This project is the first to target in restoring the integrity of those brain blood vessels in order to reverse diabetes-associated dementia.