Brain Health and Early Development Research Group

Brain Builders Initiative (BBI) 

The Brain Builders Initiative (BBI) is designed to generate, translate and apply knowledge from neurosciences and related child and adolescent sciences for the benefit of Queensland children, young people and their families and communities. The early years of life is critical in brain development, and that positive early experiences across childhood as setting the foundation for lifelong health, learning and wellbeing. Find out more 

Building Futures: Early learning Environment for optimal child development 

A research project led by Associate Professor Sally Staton, at UQ’s Child Health Research Centre in partnership with Queensland Department of Education; HKS Architects; QLD Kids Partnerships 

The places and spaces where children develop matter. In Australia, over 1.4 million children attend Early Childhood Education and Care services each week, and national policy aims to extend access to all children from birth to age five. As Australia moves toward universal provision, demand for services will grow, increasing the number operating in nontraditional settings such as shopping centres andmultistorey buildings. Yet little is known about how these locations and environments affect children’s safety, health, wellbeing, learning opportunities and development.​ 

Through funding from the Australian Research Council this project is investigating the impact of Early Childhood Education and Care locations and environments on children’s development and learning. In partnership with Queensland’s regulatory authority, child advocates and an international architecture group, we are conducting detailed investigations into how different types of places and spaces shape children’s experiences. The project aims to produce evidencebased guidelines for the physical environments of Early Childhood services, helping inform regulatory decisions on licensing and assessment and, ultimately, supporting children's futures. 

Sleep Transitions and Regularity Study (STARs) 

The Sleep Transitions and Regularity Study (STARs) was a four-year study aimed at understanding children’s sleep and napping patterns to inform policy and to provide better information to families and carers. This study enrolled over 250 families from across Australia to learn about children’s sleep and development. Find out more.

First STEPS: The Supporting Transitions to ECEC ProgramsStudy 

The Supporting Transitions to ECEC Programs Study (First STEPS) aims to improve our understanding of how the transition to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services influences the wellbeing of families and children, and to identify how best to support children, families, and early childhood services during this important period. Find out more.