Professor Bernard Dan (former winner), Professor Andrea Guzzetta (current winner), Princess Benedikte of Denmark, and CPA’s Professor Iona Novak (previous winner) Photo: Elsass FoundationÂ
The prestigious international award was presented by Her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte at a ceremony in Denmark on 21 May and recognises Professor Guzzetta’s groundbreaking work that has transformed how clinicians around the world diagnose and support infants at risk of cerebral palsy.Â
Representing Cerebral Palsy Alliance at the award ceremony was Professor Iona Novak, previous recipient of the Elsass Foundation Research Prize in 2021. As a global leader in childhood disability research, Professor Novak was honoured to speak at the accompanying international mini symposium, which focused on advancing early diagnosis and intervention in cerebral palsy.
Professor Iona Novak received the Elsass Foundation Research Prize in 2021 based on her work in the development of a classification system to illustrate ineffective and effective treatments for children with CP. The system has been translated into multiple languages and implemented in clinical practice in 24 countries. Iona’s work encourages global collaboration to support early intervention for children with CP.Â
Professor Guzzetta, based at the University of Pisa and Director of the SMILE Lab (Stella Maris Infant Lab for Early Intervention), is internationally regarded as a leader in the field of paediatric neurology. His pioneering research into brain development, infant movement patterns, and visual function has directly shaped early intervention practices globally, including through tools like the General Movements Assessment and the Visual Function Classification System.Â
Among his many achievements, Professor Guzzetta has also championed the role of family-centred care, demonstrating the powerful influence that parents and caregivers have on their child’s neurodevelopment. His deep commitment to understanding and supporting the early experiences of children with cerebral palsy has significantly advanced both clinical knowledge and compassionate practice.Â
Cerebral Palsy Alliance is proud to collaborate with global experts like Professor Guzzetta through shared research, international partnerships, and knowledge translation efforts. His recognition is a powerful reminder of the impact that visionary, evidence-based, and family-driven research can have on the lives of children with cerebral palsy around the world.
Learn more about the Elsass Foundation and Professor Guzzetta’s work here.
Professor Bernard Dan (former winner), Professor Andrea Guzzetta (current winner), Princess Benedikte of Denmark, and CPA’s Professor Iona Novak (previous winner) Photo: Elsass FoundationÂ
Cerebral Palsy Alliance’s Professor Iona Novak, with Professor Andrea Guzzetta (middle) and Professor Bernard Dan (left) Photo: Elsass Foundation
The Italian researcher is a trained paediatrician specialising in neurology and psychiatry. Photo: Elsass Foundation
Princess Benedikte, presented the award to Professor Andrea Guzzetta during a ceremony at the foundation. Photo: Elsass Foundation
Prior to the award ceremony, the Elsass Foundation hosted a international mini symposium on early diagnosis and intervention of CP. Former award winner Iona Novak presented on the day. Photo: Elsass Foundation
