The Brain Builders Initiative (BBI) generates, translates, and applies knowledge from neuroscience and related child and adolescent sciences to improve outcomes for children, young people, families, and communities. From early childhood through adolescence, the brain is continuously developing, and experiences during this time shape lifelong health, learning, and wellbeing.
BBI focuses on translating the highest-quality research evidence into practice and policy action. We integrate insights from neuroscience, psychology, education, public health, and social policy to guide practices, services, and policies that promote healthy brain development. A key aim of BBI is to develop and provide a common language, shared knowledge, and a unified purpose across the diverse services and sectors that interact with children and adolescents, helping professionals work together to support children, families and communities.
Brain Healthy Schools
In collaboration with education systems, primary and secondary schools, and crosssector partners, we are codesigning and delivering neuroinformed workforce development focused on brain health and child development. The Brain Healthy Schools initiative support the integration of evidencebased, inclusive teaching practices and building a shared understanding across the education workforce to strengthen learning, wellbeing, and positive outcomes for children and young people.
Thriving Kids, Active Brains
In collaboration with Early Childhood Development workforces, organisations, and tertiary training partners, we support the application of neuro‑informed, brain‑health‑focused knowledge, language, and practices. Thriving Kids, Active Brains develops eLearning modules, facilitate Communities of Practice, partner to embed and evaluate approaches, and support curricular reviews to strengthen ECD workforce skills, confidence, and capacity in working with young children.
Brain Builder Modules
In collaboration with Emerging Minds, Early Childhood Australia, and other partners, we deliver foundational eLearning modules and resources aimed at increasing the awareness, knowledge, and understanding of foundational concepts of neuroscience and child development. Brain Builder Modules work with organisations across systems, programs, and communities to provide fit-for-purpose and accessible training opportunities to support children and families to thrive.
Access free Brain Builder modules and professional learning resources to support applying brain development knowledge in your work and organisation.
Brain Healthy Places and Spaces
In collaboration with place-based initiatives, we are investigating the driving forces, enablers, and barriers to implementing place-based neuro informed practices. We are developing resources, best practice frameworks and examples to support set up and strengthening of practices in place.
Visit our resources library for free tools to support embedding neuroinformed practices in the places and spaces where you work.
Brain Builders Community of Practice
In collaboration with Children's Health Queensland and other partners, we are implementing Neuroscience Communities of Practice to establish shared knowledge, learning, and supports. Brain Builders Community of Practice supports and investigates the delivery of neuroscience focused communities of practice across and within sectors.
Join our Brain Building in the Early Years ECHO
Brain Building Workforces
In collaboration with government, non-government, and tertiary training organisations, we are supporting the development of neuroscience-informed training programs and implementation across sectors and workforces. Brain Building Workforces source, develop, and share key frameworks to guide curricular reviews and implementation into frontline practice.
Visit our resources library for free frameworks and tools to support embedding neuroinformed practices in your work or organisation.
Brains Trust Collaborative
In collaboration with diverse government, non-government, philanthropic, and academic partners, we convene events, establish critical networks, and generate new collaborative opportunities. The Brains Trust Collaborative advances the knowledge and implementation of neuroscience to support children and their families.
Visit our events page to explore our events and learn how to get involved.
From summits to workshops, our events turn neuroscience into real world impact for children, young people, and families. Explore what’s happening and what we’re learning and subscribe to our mailing to stay up to date on future events, learning opportunities, and ways to be part of the Brain Builders community.
Brain Builders Summit (11 Nov 2025)
The summit was facilitated by Dr Norman Swan, with speakers from the Queensland Brain Institute, Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership, research, education, and industry. Under the theme Mobilising, Embedding and Sustaining Neuro-Informed Practice for lasting change, this event aims to expand and strengthen the movement for neuro-informed policy and practice across Queensland’s child, youth, and family ecosystem by translating cutting-edge neuroscience into real-world impact. More information
Brain Building in Education, Townsville (24 June 2025)
This event explored opportunities to embed brain health understanding and supports within North Queensland primary and secondary schools. Delivered as part of the Brain Health in Queensland Schools initiative, it emphasised codesign, local context, and building on existing momentum, partnerships, and systemwide learnings to support all Queensland students to thrive. More information
Now and for their futures: Libraries brain building in the early years (12-13 May 2025)
This national forum brought together library and sector leaders to explore the role of public libraries in brain building in the early years. Grounded in neuroscience and evidence-informed practice, it strengthened a national alliance, advancing shared commitments, collaboration and advocacy to support children and families to thrive now and into the future.
Brain Building in Education, Brisbane (16 October 2024)
The Thriving Kids Brain Building in Education event brought together education, health and community leaders from across Southeast Queensland to explore how neuroinformed practice can be embedded across learning systems to support brain health and help children and young people to thrive. Hosted by the University of Queensland, Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership/ARACY, the event fostered crosssector dialogue on applying neuroscience and child development insights across schools and the broader child and family ecosystem.
Brain Builders Summit (30 Aug 2023)
Hosted by Dr Norman Swan, this summit brought together leaders from across the Queensland children and youth systems to connect, catalyse and learn. The theme was "We are all Brain Builders", and the objective was to encourage rich dialogue about “what we should know?” & “what we should do?” to support children and young people in Queensland to thrive.
Brain Builders Implementation Workshop (25 July 2023)
Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership (TQKP) engaged the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) at the University of Queensland as the knowledge and implementation partner of the Thriving Kids Brain Builders Initiative (TKBBI). This initiative is designed to generate, translate, and apply knowledge from neuroscience and related child, adolescent and resilience sciences for the benefit of Queensland’s children, young people and their families and communities.
Contact us:
Lead researcher: Associate Professor Staton
General enquiries: Lucy Bryce
Email: brainbuilders@uq.edu.au