Perth’s The Kids Research Institute Australia has congratulated Andrew and Nicola Forrest on their visionary commitment to develop a new blueprint for optimal child development in Australia and beyond.
The $75M allocation is part of a $400M gift through their Minderoo Foundation which will also support a global collaboration that will lead to specialisation of research and the expedition of cures for cancer, and support for higher education and breakthrough research, through the provision of PhD and post-doctoral scholarships and facilities throughout Australia.
Read the full Minderoo media release here.
The new funding announcement will build upon the existing partnership between The Kids and Minderoo which resulted in the establishment of CoLab, a hub that brings together internal expertise and external stakeholders to to improve service delivery and community capacity and to enhance our understanding of what it takes to nurture strong future generations of children.
It will allow for the creation and development of a new partnership between CoLab and the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, headed by Dr Jack Shonkoff.
CoLab Director Professor Donna Cross said the new commitment from Minderoo provides an opportunity to expand the work CoLab is already doing and pursue unprecedented new partnerships.
“We see today’s announcement as the start of an exciting global partnership with the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University,” said Professor Cross. “Change across nations will take unparalleled collaboration between government, researchers, business, and the community. We need joint action and joint responsibility to ensure a positive future for our society.”
The Kids Director Professor Jonathan Carapetis applauded the Forrests and Minderoo for their unprecedented donation and their focus on nurturing strong future generations of children.
“This investment is a game-changer that represents a remarkable opportunity to ensure every Australian child has the best possible chance to thrive,” said Professor Carapetis.
Find out more about CoLab here.