A new multi-year research partnership between La Trobe University and the Summer Foundation will significantly increase Australia’s evidence base in housing and support for people with disability. This new partnership will help meet the critical knowledge needs of the NDIS reform agenda by understanding what works in driving better quality services and true innovation.
The partnership with La Trobe University’s School of Psychology and Public Health will see the establishment of the Summer Foundation Research Centre at the University.
Through building a truly nation-leading collaboration, we will deliver high quality disability research. Establishing the Centre’s reputation as a global leader will build on the solid track record of the Summer Foundation’s continued collaboration with the Living with Disability Research Centre at the University.
The new partnership will expand our research and grow inter-organisation staff placements including PhD positions. The Centre will be led by a Summer Foundation Research Chair who will mentor early career researchers, lead grant applications and amplify thought leadership and innovation in housing and living already underway at Summer Foundation.
“We need ambitious and thoughtful research to ensure the significant investment in the National Disability Insurance Scheme delivers better outcomes for people with disability,” said Dr Di Winkler, CEO of the Summer Foundation and Adjunct Associate Professor at La Trobe University.
This partnership comes at a critical time for Summer Foundation as it embarks on a new strategic vision to develop, demonstrate and scale innovative user-led housing and living solutions for people with disability.
Professor Monica Thielking, Dean of the School of Psychology and Public Health said the Summer Foundation Research Centre was a great fit with the values and purpose of the School of Psychology and Public Health.
“I’m really looking forward to exciting learning opportunities and real-world impact from having the Research Centre situated in our School,” Professor Thielking said.
“By aligning our mission and thinking we will see research that will shift the dial on tangible outcomes for people with disability in Australia.”
