CPA Research Foundation

Bringing together an alliance of great minds to support breakthroughs in cerebral palsy research

July 2023: The latest round of CPA Research Foundation grants is now open for emerging researchers and PhD researchers - find out more below.

In 2005, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation was established with a single goal – to fund and support ground-breaking research into the prevention, treatment and possible cures of cerebral palsy.

CPA Research Foundation provides grants in three categories, designed to encourage both established researchers with a track record of excellence and promising, early-career researchers who are still emerging in the field:

This commitment to supporting cerebral palsy research has seen CPA Research Foundation grow to become the largest private founder in our field globally. As of 2023, our foundation has provided grants and funding to over 350 of the world’s leading researchers across 154 academic and medical institutions in over 40 countries.

Our dedication to research breakthroughs is matched by an ongoing commitment to working collaboratively with people with cerebral palsy and their families. The priorities of our Research Foundation grants are informed by frequent consultation with consumers with lived experience. Our five focus areas, as identified by these key stakeholders, are causation, prevention, treatment, cures and advocacy. 

Outstanding projects that advance our understanding of cerebral palsy in one of these five areas are eligible for a CPA Research Foundation grant.

CPA Research Foundation provides grants in three categories, designed to encourage both established researchers with a track record of excellence and promising, early-career researchers who are still emerging in the field.

2023 CPA Research Foundation grants:

Cerebral Palsy Alliance is constantly reviewing the structure of our grants program to ensure it not only effectively supports research that delivers real impact for people with cerebral palsy, but also fosters and supports the emergence of the next generation of researchers.

After consultation with the research community, our 2023 round of grants will not offer project grants, instead prioritising funding opportunities for emerging and early-career researchers. This decision has been made in light of the unique impact that COVID-19 has had on research projects in recent years and the resulting impact to early career development.

For the latest funding opportunities for researchers, as well as timelines, criteria and more, click on one of the grant types below:

PhD Research grant

Available for PhD research students who are committed to accelerate progress in the field of cerebral palsy research​
Applications for 2023 grants are closed
Learn more

Emerging Researcher grant

Developed to support emerging researchers who are seeking to establish careers in cerebral palsy research
Applications for 2023 grants are closed
Learn more

Project grant

A funding scheme that supports scientific excellence and innovative research into cerebral palsy
Not available for 2023
Learn more

Since 2005, the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation has supported the global CP research community with more than $67 million in funding:

714

research grants invested across 43 countries on six continents

361

researchers supported from 154 different academic institutes

$3.7m

in funding for projects in 28 low-and middle-income countries

Supporting world-class innovation

For more than 15 years, the CPA Research Foundation has funded projects by the world’s best and brightest cerebral palsy experts.

Over that period we’ve fostered huge breakthroughs, from a 40% fall in the prevalence of cerebral palsy in Australia to new treatments to significantly reduce newborn stroke.Â