Research Topics

Cyberbullying is a form of online harassment, where the bullying is carried out through the use of modern technology.

Even in the safety of their home, there are many risky places a child or teenager can visit online. This can be due to the content they see, who they come into contact with, and personal information they share.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common chronic, life-shortening genetic condition affecting young Australians. There is no cure but researchers are working to prevent the onset of lung disease.

Developmental Coordination Disorder is a lifelong disability impacting most aspects of daily living that involve movement. With an estimated prevalence of ~5% of children, the disorder affects an average of one to two children in every Australian classroom.

Diabetes is the name for a number of different metabolic disorders in which the body's healthy levels of blood sugar (glucose) can't be maintained.Diabetes can have a significant impact on quality of life should complications develop. Diabetes can affect the individual's entire body.

Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is one of the most common chromosome abnormalities in humans. It occurs when a child's cells end up with 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. Down syndrome causes intellectual disability and other physical and learning challenges.

Middle ear infections are one of the main reasons that children visit a GP, are prescribed antibiotics and need surgery. Aboriginal children are particularly susceptible and commonly suffer from hearing loss which can affect speech and learning.

Every child deserves the best possible start in life. Evidence demonstrates the period from pre-birth to three years is a vital period of development. It lays the foundations for a child’s future and has life-long impacts on health, education, job opportunities, social inclusion and wellbeing.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong condition characterised by severe neurodevelopmental impairment due to prenatal exposure to alcohol.

Food allergies have become more common in our community, with up to one in ten young children now affected. Reactions can range from mild hives to life threatening anaphylaxis and breathing difficulties. The most common food allergies are to egg, peanut, tree nuts, cow’s milk, fish, shellfish, sesame, wheat and soy.

Not all children or teenagers identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. As a result, some may choose to change their name, their clothes or their body. With considerably higher rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm and attempted suicide, the need for specialist mental health services has been recognised.

Glue ear is when a child's middle ear fills with sticky fluid behind the ear drum. A common condition, glue ear usually goes undetected, as it's not an obvious condition from the outside.