Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA) proudly joins in this celebration, highlighting the exceptional work of two female scientists from our Research Institute. In this article, we profile Dr. Petra Karlsson and Dr. Shona Goldsmith, whose pioneering research is making a real difference in the lives of people with cerebral palsy.
Dr. Petra Karlsson: A Passion for Breaking Barriers
Dr. Petra Karlsson’s journey into science was shaped by her years as an Occupational Therapist. After working closely with individuals with cerebral palsy, she observed the challenges they faced in daily life and became driven to, in partnership with people with cerebral palsy, find innovative ways to help them overcome these obstacles. She knew that science could hold the key to breaking down barriers to inclusion and participation.
“What motivated me to pursue a career in science was the desire to improve the lives of people with cerebral palsy,” says Dr. Karlsson. “I wanted to understand how to support the development of new technology solutions to improve their quality of life and hopefully give them hope for the future.”
Throughout her career, Dr. Karlsson has achieved significant milestones. She led the groundbreaking “Eyes on Communication” project, which developed global guidelines for eye-gaze control technology. These guidelines are now used in over 54 countries and downloaded more than 2000 times, helping clinicians and individuals with cerebral palsy to assess and implement eye-gaze technology effectively.
Her work extends beyond guidelines; Dr. Karlsson also leads a multidisciplinary team at the AHa Engineering Lab, where allied health professionals and biomedical engineers work together to develop cutting-edge technologies for individuals with severe cerebral palsy. Her team’s research is transforming the field, with one notable achievement being a $1.1M NHRMC IDEAS grant to create the “My Voice Library,” a tool designed to enhance personalised communication for people with cerebral palsy.
Dr. Karlsson is passionate about mentoring young scientists and fostering collaboration. “I’m driven by curiosity and the thrill of discovery,” she says. “I greatly enjoy working alongside brilliant, like-minded researchers and making a tangible difference in the lives of people with disabilities.”
However, Dr. Karlsson recognises that female scientists often face unique obstacles. Fortunately, her career has been largely free of these challenges, thanks to supportive managers and a strong work environment. “While discrimination, lack of mentorship, and funding challenges exist in many fields, I’ve been fortunate to work in an environment where these issues haven’t hindered my progress,” she says. “have been extremely well supported by my superiors and the organisation as a whole.”
Her advice to young women pursuing careers in science is simple but powerful: “Follow your passion. Seek out mentors, push the boundaries of your knowledge, and stay resilient in the face of failure. Never forget to celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.”
Dr. Shona Goldsmith: Collaborating for Change
Dr. Shona Goldsmith’s path into science was inspired by her fascination with both the humanities and health sciences. Initially, she pursued a degree in physiotherapy, captivated by the intricacies of the human body and how it intersects with improving quality of life.
Dr. Goldsmith began her career working with clients with cerebral palsy, and it was here that she became intrigued by the broader epidemiological aspects of cerebral palsy, shifting her focus to understanding trends, causes, and opportunities for prevention.
“I was drawn to epidemiology because it allowed me to ask ‘big picture’ questions,” says Dr. Goldsmith. “Rather than focusing on individual cases, I wanted to understand the occurrence and causes of cerebral palsy on a population level.”
Dr. Goldsmith has made significant strides in this field, working on large-scale projects with international collaborators. She played a pivotal role in the development of the NSW/ACT Cerebral Palsy Register, which has grown into one of the largest population-based registers globally. These data are invaluable, allowing for a deeper understanding of the causes and prevalence of cerebral palsy, and are facilitating new research into prevention.
A major achievement in Dr. Goldsmith’s career was her involvement in the largest study to date of congenital anomalies in children with cerebral palsy, a collaborative project spanning multiple countries in Europe and Australia. The research brings together a variety of experts to better understand how congenital anomalies impact the development of cerebral palsy and identify opportunities for early intervention.
Dr. Goldsmith thrives in her global collaborations, enjoying the process of working with a diverse range of professionals across different disciplines and countries. She is particularly proud of the CPA’s CP Quest program, a unique partnership that brings people with cerebral palsy and their families into the research process, ensuring that their voices are central to the projects being developed.
“The joy of working on projects that matter most to people with cerebral palsy is incredibly rewarding,” Dr. Goldsmith says. “By collaborating with people with lived experience, we ensure that our research addresses the needs that matter most to those we aim to help.”
Like Dr. Karlsson, Dr. Goldsmith acknowledges that female scientists face challenges in the workplace. However, she is quick to express gratitude for the supportive team environment at CPA. “Our team is predominantly female, and we are fortunate to work in an organisation that fosters inclusion, diversity, and equity,” she says. “I’ve had the opportunity to balance my career with family life, thanks to flexible work arrangements and understanding leadership.”
Her advice to aspiring female scientists is to embrace the unpredictable nature of a scientific career: “Don’t expect a linear journey. Science is a broad field, and opportunities will come in unexpected ways. Stay curious, keep asking questions, and always look for mentors and collaborators who support you.”
Celebrating Women in Science
International Women and Girls in Science Day is a reminder of the critical role that women play in advancing scientific knowledge and improving lives worldwide. At CPA, we are proud to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of our female researchers, like Dr. Karlsson and Dr. Goldsmith, who are making a real difference in the lives of individuals with cerebral palsy.
As we look ahead, it is clear that the future of science is brighter and more inclusive than ever before. By supporting and empowering women in science, we are not only advancing research but also shaping a world where everyone, regardless of gender or ability, can thrive.
