STePPS CRE (Science Translation for e-Psychological Perinatal Supports) gets the go ahead
Published: 10 November 2022
The new STePPS Centre of Research Excellence (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).
The Hon. Mark Butler, MP recently announced the results of the 2022 National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) Grant Scheme. Professor Jeannette Milgrom, Director of PIRI, is Chief Investigator A on a successful application, titled Science Translation for e-Psychological Perinatal Supports - STePPS CRE.
This was submitted by the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) (Opens in new tab), with Institute for Breathing and Sleep as the administering institution. The project comprises a stellar national and international team of researchers that the PIRI team will be working with.
PIRI has for many years supported government initiatives to reduce the burden of perinatal mental health (Opens in new tab) in new families through innovative evidence-based digital programs. This work is in line with Australian Government priority areas, which 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 recognises 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 (Opens in new tab) initiative already supporting women with perinatal depression, and its newly-developed world first DadSpace (Opens in new tab) supporting fathers, currently being trialled.
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.
About the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI)
The Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) is a vigorous and innovative Australian research institute whose vision is to improve the emotional well-being of parents and to optimise infant development. For more than 21 years, PIRI has provided a unique contribution to early intervention by combining basic research and clinical expertise to address depression and other difficulties facing parents and infants. The Institute is a leading body recognised internationally for its cutting-edge research into perinatal depression and anxiety, online mental health treatments and translating research to practice.
Find out more about PIRI at www.piri.org.au (Opens in new tab)
Last reviewed: December 2022