The Australian Cerebral Palsy Research Group

The Cerebral Palsy Research Group is focussed on uncovering the causes of Cerebral Palsy (CP), particularly the genetic causes. The group has been leading the field for over 10 years and is headed by Professor Alastair MacLennan.

The group currently has support through the NHMRC and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation to build a Cerebral Palsy Biobank and pursue cutting edge genetic research.

The Australian Cerebral Palsy Biobank

The Biobank aims to collect genetic material and clinical information to facilitate ongoing genetic research in CP.

A biobank is a collection (repository) of biological samples that can be linked to other medical information for research purposes, while appropriately maintaining the privacy of participants. 

By collecting and storing genetic material (DNA from biological samples such as blood) from children with CP and their families and linking characteristics of this DNA to clinical information about their health, we hope to create a powerful and ongoing research tool that may contribute to important discoveries about the condition.

The Australian Cerebral Palsy Biobank has been established to encourage collaborative genetic research in CP around the world and into the future.