Our Impact

Since 2006, our research has contributed to a 40% reduction in the rate cerebral palsy in Australia as well as a decrease in severity.

Australia has one of the lowest rates and severities of cerebral palsy in the world.

Since 2006, our research has contributed to a 40% reduction in the rate of cerebral palsy in Australia as well as a decrease in severity. We are working hard to reduce this further.

Cerebral Palsy Alliance researchers are recognised as global leaders, collaborating with the community, doctors, allied and other health professionals as well as researchers around the world to spread this impact further.

We create evidence through research and implement evidence-based learning through our therapists that directly benefits babies, children and adults living with CP.

Our alliance is made up of a network of clients, employees, allied health teams, donors, advocates, researchers and entrepreneurs we work with every day. Each brings a unique perspective to the problems we are trying to solve.

We are the world's largest funders of cerebral palsy research. We lead, collaborate and award grants to specialists around the world in our quest to understand, prevent, and potentially, cure CP.

40%

Drop in rate and decreased severity of babies born with CP since 1997-98.

2004

Australian CP Register created. Surveys the incidence and prevalence of cerebral palsy, underpinning most research into the prevention and intervention of CP.

3 months

is the earliest age of CP diagnosis, average age is 19 months. Early diagnosis allows for interventions that can reduce the severity of CP.

3

Early Diagnosis Centres in NSW. Specialised clinics to fast-track diagnosis and deliver early intervention.

Key impacts

The Cerebral Palsy Register was created in 2004 and is funded and managed at the Australian level by CPA. It monitors the incidence and prevalence of cerebral palsy. CPA has also assisted in establishing 14 global CP registers.
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.
As of 2025, our foundation has provided 815+ grants and funding to over 423 of the world’s leading researchers across 193 academic and medical institutions in 51 countries.
Our research is informed by people with lived experience and their families.
A world-first voice library for children with cerebral palsy, a pathway to provide future communication solutions.
We are deeply grateful to our wonderful fundraising and philanthropic partners who continue to transform lives and drive our vision. Without them, none of this would be possible.

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Find out more about the great minds behind our research

At Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, more than 30 of the world's leading cerebral palsy experts collaborate with families, therapists and the CP community to make real change.

Our leadership

Our research program

Driving change

Advocacy

Shaping policy change to support equality, inclusivity, and diversity.

Learn more

World CP Day

A global movement started by CPA in 2012 reaching more than 10 million people each year.

Learn more

Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute

Established in 2005, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute is now the world’s largest private funder of cerebral palsy research.

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Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation

Established a New York office in 2016.

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First stem cell trial

Leaders in stem cell research and accelerating new stem cell therapies into clinical trials.

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My Voice Library

Capturing words through electronic play to develop communication technology for children with CP with dysarthria.

Learn more

Our impact in 2025

World-leading prevention, treatment and cure research

40%

reduction in the incidence of CP in a generation

11,700

people with CP included in 2023 Australian CP Register Report

1%

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

70

academic research papers published by CPA researchers

Giving all babies the best start in life

588+

babies supported in 3 Early Diagnosis Clinics

233

babies accessed 3,740 hours of free early intervention therapy

1st

regional Early Diagnosis Clinic opened in the Hunter

Global impact

$107+ million

invested in global research to date

815+

research grants across 51 countries

193

institutions globally supported and over 423 researchers

100+

countries with established World CP Day

2016

Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation established in New York

Cerebral Palsy Alliance 2023 Research Report

The 2023 report showcases CPA’s commitment to accelerating breakthroughs in cerebral palsy prevention and treatment. It is an invaluable resource for researchers, healthcare professionals, individuals and families who are living with CP.

CPA 2023 Research Report

Cerebral Palsy Alliance 2023 Research Report

CPA 2023 Research Report

Celebrating 20 years of the Research Institute

Over the past 20 years, CPA-supported research has helped drive a 40% reduction in the rate and severity of cerebral palsy in Australia, shaped clinical practice worldwide, and built global research partnerships grounded in lived experience.

This publication reflects on that journey and looks ahead to the next chapter focused on prevention, personalised treatments and global equity.

20 years of the Research Institute

Our Impact

Australia has one of the lowest rates and severities of cerebral palsy in the world.

40%

Drop in rate and decreased severity of babies born with CP since 1997-98.

2004

Australian CP Register created. Surveys the incidence and prevalence of cerebral palsy, underpinning most research into the prevention and intervention of CP.

3 months

is the earliest age of CP diagnosis, average age is 19 months. Early diagnosis allows for interventions that can reduce the severity of CP.

3

Early Diagnosis Centres in NSW. Specialised clinics to fast-track diagnosis and deliver early intervention.

Key impacts

Find out more about the great minds behind our research

Driving change

Advocacy

World CP Day

Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute

Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation

First stem cell trial

My Voice Library

Our impact in 2025

World-leading prevention, treatment and cure research

40%

11,700

1%

70

Giving all babies the best start in life

588+

233

1st

Global impact

$107+ million

815+

193

100+

2016

Cerebral Palsy Alliance 2023 Research Report

Cerebral Palsy Alliance 2023 Research Report

Celebrating 20 years of the Research Institute

Research news and stories

CPAdvance™ launches: Sharing world-leading research to change lives around the globe

Emerging CPA-funded research reveals genetic clues in cerebral palsy

Celebrating 20 years of impact: CPA Research Institute brochure now available