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Research at CPA

Accelerating breakthroughs in prevention, interventions and cures for cerebral palsy

The Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute was established in 2005

Our vision is to enable the world’s best cerebral palsy experts to find ways to prevent and treat cerebral palsy, a condition affecting more than 50 million* people worldwide. 

Since being established, we’ve committed over $107 million in funding towards hundreds of ground-breaking cerebral palsy research projects through the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation.Today, we are among the world’s largest private funder of cerebral palsy research. 

*Source: Cieza 2021

Our impact in 2026

World-leading research into prevention, treatment and cure.

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40%

reduction in the incidence of CP in a generation
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11,700

people with CP included in 2023 Australian CP Register Report
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1%

Our researchers are in the top 1% of CP experts globally
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70

academic research papers published by CPA researchers
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1st

supported Australia’s compassionate cord blood infusion for CP
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5

switch adapted workshops conducted
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6

clinically relevant genes linked to CP were identified by CPA researchers, combining genetic data with high-quality clinical descriptions

Giving all babies the best start in life

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588+

babies supported in 3 Early Diagnosis Clinics
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233

babies accessed 3,740 hours of free early intervention therapy
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3

early detection clinics established
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3 months

average Age of CP diagnosis reduced from 19 months to as young as 3 months
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2

HINE courses and a HINE webinar for the GLM‑CPR Group, plus delivered combined GMs training

Global impact

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$107+ million

invested in global research to date
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815+

research grants across 51 countries
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193

institutions globally supported and over 423 researchers
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100+

countries with established World CP Day
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15

Support 15 global GLMIC registers
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1st

Global clinical trial network established
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>20

countries and 60 partner organisations in the Global CP Register initiative 

Our Research

At Cerebral Palsy Alliance, we aspire to inclusively co-design everything we do. This means working closely with people with lived experience of CP, parents, families and the wider community to ensure our research priorities are meaningful to them.  
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Epidemiology

Unearthing trends, prevalence and causes of cerebral palsy
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A close up of Zara's umbilical cord blood vile during the infusion

Regeneration

Leading the way to discover and translate cell therapies and other treatments that target the brain
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Early Detection & Intervention

Detecting, diagnosing, and intervening early to make a lifetime of difference for children with cerebral palsy and their families
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Technology

Pioneering technology innovations to support inclusion for people with disabilities
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Research studies

Research studies and clinical trials are a vital way to identify breakthroughs and advancements in the treatment and prevention of cerebral palsy. Take part in a research study.

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Resources

Explore resources developed, supported and informed by the Research Institute to advance research, empower families and improve outcomes for people with cerebral palsy globally. 

CPA is committed to conducting and supporting research with integrity, accountability and transparency. Explore our governance processes and requirements for research conducted with or supported by CPA. 

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CP Quest brings researchers and the cerebral palsy community together to shape research that matters. By sharing experiences and perspectives, people with lived experience help guide research priorities and drive meaningful impact.
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DRIVE-CP (Directing Research in Very Early Cerebral Palsy) brings together researchers, clinicians and people with lived experience to make sure babies get the best care possible.
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The CP Global Clinical Trials Network unites clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience from around the world to accelerate cerebral palsy research and improve outcomes through high-quality clinical trials.
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The Global LMIC CP Register (GLMCPR) is a collaborative network that supports the collection and sharing of data, resources and tools to strengthen cerebral palsy research, care and advocacy across low- and middle-income countries.
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CMV is the most common infectious cause of disability in babies. Our CMV research and awareness initiatives help families understand the risks of congenital CMV and support prevention, early detection and improved outcomes for children. 

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Umbilical cord blood is a promising new frontier in cerebral palsy treatment. Explore the latest research, evidence and advocacy efforts, including CPA's work to expand access to these therapies for more families.
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The Australian Cerebral Palsy Register (ACPR) is a confidential database that collects information about people with cerebral palsy to support research, improve understanding and drive better outcomes for people with CP.
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Getting the right diagnosis early means starting the right support early. Learn how our Early Diagnosis Clinics help identify cerebral palsy as early as possible and connect families with expert care and intervention.
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A collaborative strategy that brings together people with CP, families, clinicians and researchers to set the priorities that will shape the future of cerebral palsy across Australia and New Zealand.
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Designed to support consumer engagement during the earliest stages of a project, the fund helps researchers and organisations partner with people with lived experience to shape ideas and priorities.
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Explore consensus-driven guidelines advancing the implementation of eye-gaze technology for people with cerebral palsy. Developed by researchers, clinicians, people with cerebral palsy and families, these guidelines support communication, participation and independence.

Family Stories

Real stories from families, highlighting the impact of research on lives, opportunities and futures.

Stay up to date with CP research

Stay up to date with CP research

Get weekly updates on the latest prevention and intervention research on cerebral palsy.

Contact us

Postal Address:  
Ground Floor, Unit 53 
66–70 Parramatta Road (The Edge) 
Camperdown NSW 2050 

CPA Research Institute has a formal affiliation with the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney.