About Telethon Kids Institute
Telethon Kids Institute is one of the largest and most successful medical research institutes in Australia. We've created a bold blueprint that brings together community, researchers, practitioners, policy makers and funders, who share our vision to improve the health and wellbeing of children through excellence in research.
The Institute is headed by leading paediatrician and infectious diseases expert Professor Jonathan Carapetis, with Founding Director Professor Fiona Stanley now Patron.
Telethon Kids is independent and not-for-profit. The majority of funding comes from our success in winning national and international competitive research grants. We also receive significant philanthropic support from corporate Australia and the community.
Meet the speakers
Professor Catherine Elliott
Director of Research
Director of Research at Telethon Kids Institute - Professor Catherine Elliott - invests her time in two main areas of research: supporting clinicians working in hospital and community settings to use the latest science in their clinical practice to improve outcomes for children and their families; and developing new evidence-based treatments impact to improve the functioning of children with cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions. Professor Elliott supervises and mentors a large number of doctoral students, post-doctoral staff and researchers.
Professor Donna Cross
Child Social Development Expert
Professor Donna Cross is the head of the Health Promotions and Education Research team at Telethon Kids institute, where she leads 32 researchers who develop and test strategies to improve children's and adolescents' wellbeing. This team has a strong focus on mental health and social-emotional wellbeing. Professor Cross has 29 years of applied research experience and is currently the Chief Investigator on nine research project aimed at preventing bullying, cyberbullying and associated mental health issues for young people.
Yael Perry
Mental Health Expert
Co-Head of Youth Mental Health at Telethon Kids Institute - Yael Perry, is conducting research focussed on the prevention of mental health difficulties in young people, with particular emphasis on high risk an vulnerable youth. Yael has specialised expertise and interest int he use of digital technologies to improve engagement, access and uptake of mental health interventions.