The breadth of Early Start research is summed up under the C.H.I.L.D model
In 2024, Early Start widened the scope of its research to focus not only on the child, but their adults, their communities and surrounding systems.
Research
Since its creation in 2014, Early Start Research has gathered researchers from diverse disciplines and across Schools to work to overcome disadvantage, advance children's rights, and positively impact the lives of children, youth, and families.
Early Start Research's primary business is to conduct world-class, evidence-based research that drives government policy, and assists industry professionals and the broader public in making informed educational decisions for policy and practice.
Early Start research prioritises:
- Health, development and connections across the life course
- A commitment to social justice through partnerships built on trust
- Innovative methods, including interdisciplinary, digital and a focus on children's rights
- Research impact and translation for positive futures for the child, their adults, their communities and surrounding systems
Early Start has over 70 internationally recognised academic members and over 50 higher degree student members across the University. Researchers work to generate evidence and solutions to real challenges (e.g. healthy pregnancies, digital childhoods, mental health, successful learning transitions, workforces in crisis - educators and health professionals).
Early Start leverages extensive partnerships, networks and dissemination paths - and its reputation as a trusted source for families, communities, industries and government - to ensure insights reach those who can benefit.
With its on-site 'living lab', the Early Start Discovery Space, as well as engagement spaces, commercial kitchen and learning labs, Early Start offers a unique set of resources to conduct and translate cutting edge research.
Our research teams have led influential policy submissions, healthy development guidelines, and many successful tenders for government.
Ready to collaborate?
If you are interested in discussing a research partnership with Early Start, please email us