About us
Improving child health and wellbeing through research that makes a difference.
Based at UNSW Sydney, the Population Child Health (PCH) Research Group is focused on transforming the health and wellbeing of children and young people, now and into the future. We work across Australia and internationally to tackle the most important challenges in child health, with a strong focus on equity, practical solutions, and real-world impact.
We collaborate with families, clinicians, communities and policymakers to understand what children need and turn that into better care and support. Together, we design, test and scale approaches that improve outcomes, especially for children experiencing disadvantage or living with complex needs.
Recognised for excellence
In 2024, we were honoured to be finalists for the NSW Health Award for Research Innovation, recognising our collaborative, equity-focused work and its positive impact on children and families.
Our overlapping focus areas – Equity & access, Prevention & early intervention, and Integrated care.
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Mission & impact
To improve the health outcomes of children, young people and their families through research, implementation and systems change.
We work to improve the equity, quality and value of healthcare for children, young people and families. Our research is designed to create real-world change; so that what we learn translates into better care and better outcomes.
We focus on bridging the gap between research and practice. Through innovations in digital health, integrated care, early childhood support, developmental disability pathways and health system redesign, we help make services more accessible, connected and effective for the people who use them.
What makes us different
Five commitments at the heart of our work:
Our research prioritises the needs of vulnerable children and families.
We work hand in hand with health systems to ensure our work leads to lasting change.
We partner with families, communities, clinicians and policy leaders to drive innovation.
Our work informs system-wide change that can be replicated and sustained.
We rigorously evaluate programs and interventions to generate evidence of effectiveness and guide continuous improvement.
Areas of focus
Our work centres on equity and access, prevention and early intervention and integrating care across the systems that shape children's lives.
Equity & access
We work to make sure every child has a fair chance to thrive, no matter where they live or their circumstances. This includes children with disability, families in rural and remote areas, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and those from culturally diverse or disadvantaged backgrounds. By partnering with communities and listening to lived experiences, we create solutions that fit local needs and realities.
Prevention & early intervention
The early years shape a child’s lifelong health and wellbeing. We help families get the right support early, before challenges grow. Our work strengthens developmental monitoring, supports parents and caregivers and improves access to local, community-based care so children can reach their full potential from the start.
Integrated care
Navigating care shouldn’t be complicated. We bring together families, healthcare providers and services to create more connected, seamless support across hospitals, community services and primary care. This means children, especially those with complex or ongoing conditions, receive coordinated, personalised care when and where they need it.
The voices of children, young people and families
Lived experience is our guiding force. We co-design every project alongside the children, young people and families who navigate the systems we seek to change.
Their perspectives are not a consultative add-on. They are the fundamental anchor that shapes the questions we ask, the partnerships we build, the solutions we design, and the evidence we generate. Across every focus area, every project, every decision, we centre the people whose lives our research is for.
Contact us
We welcome enquiries about our research programs, partnerships, student opportunities, and collaborations. The PCH Research Group works across hospitals, universities, communities and government to improve child health systems in Australia and internationally.
