PIRI Centre of Research Excellence – Science Translation for e-Psychological Perinatal Supports -STePPS
The Hon. Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, recently announced the results of the 2022 NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence (CRE) Grant Scheme. Professor Jeannette Milgrom (Director of PIRI) is CIA on a successful application, titled Science Translation for e-Psychological Perinatal Supports -STePPS CRE. This was submitted by the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI), with IBAS as the administering institution. The project comprises a stellar national and international team of researchers that the PIRI team will be working with.
The new STePPS CRE will be a national research centre driving the identification, development, and translation of the most effective, cost-effective, and sustainable e-mental health interventions in the first 1000 days (conception to two years).
PIRI has for many years supported government initiatives to reduce the burden of perinatal mental health in new families through our innovative evidence-based digital programs. Its work is in line with Australian Government priority areas to enable equitable access to digital mental health services and contribute to increased reach to those who need it most. The Victorian Royal Commission also identified digital technology and the early years as a targeted area.
This CRE recognizes PIRI’s expertise in developing early intervention programs to enhance perinatal mental health and improve early parent-infant relationships (0-2 years). It will build on its existing leadership role in Australia in digital technology through its Commonwealth-funded MumSpace initiative already supporting women with perinatal depression (www.mumspace.com.au), and its newly-developed world first DadBooster supporting fathers, currently being trialled (www.dadspace.com.au).
The PIRI team is excited to have this opportunity to extend the suite of its consumer co-designed, evidence-based intervention and treatment programs that have and will continue to provide support to thousands of Australian mothers, fathers, children, and their families.
