Brilliant minds
Meet our Brilliant Minds: Professor Christine Imms
Professor Christine Imms is an Honorary Fellow Manager within the Neurodisability and Rehabilitation Group at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI). Christine is also the Apex Australia Foundation Chair for Neurodevelopment and Disability (also known as the Apex Chair) and the Director of the Healthy Trajectorieschild and youth disability research hubat the Melbourne Children’s Campus, where MCRI is a partner.
Through her work, Christine strives to create opportunities for all children and young people with disabilities to thrive, actively participate in all aspects of life, and achieve their full potential.
At Healthy Trajectories , Christine leads a dynamic team of researchers, healthcare professionals, and co-researchers, young people and their families, working together to ensure that the research is grounded in real-world experiences.
"Our mission is to support children and youth with disabilities in every area of life, from health and education to social participation," Christine explains.
Professor Christine Imms is an Honorary Fellow Manager within the Neurodisability and Rehabilitation Group at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI). Christine is also the Apex Australia Foundation Chair for Neurodevelopment and Disability...
Professor Christine Imms is an Honorary Fellow Manager within the Neurodisability and Rehabilitation Group at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI). Christine is also the Apex Australia Foundation Chair for Neurodevelopment and Disability (also known as the Apex Chair) and the Director of the Healthy Trajectorieschild and youth disability research hubat the Melbourne Children’s Campus, where MCRI is a partner.
Through her work, Christine strives to create opportunities for all children and young people with disabilities to thrive, actively participate in all aspects of life, and achieve their full potential.
At Healthy Trajectories , Christine leads a dynamic team of researchers, healthcare professionals, and co-researchers, young people and their families, working together to ensure that the research is grounded in real-world experiences.
"Our mission is to support children and youth with disabilities in every area of life, from health and education to social participation," Christine explains.
With one in six Australians living with disability, including 360,000 children under 14, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Christine is dedicated to making a meaningful impact.
Her work spans four key areas: family wellbeing, early childhood initiatives, learning and belonging and improving health outcomes. The goal is to address the unique challenges faced by families, provide early intervention for the best possible start, create inclusive learning environments and reduce the impact of multiple health issues.
One of the key initiatives of the hub is the ENVISAGE program, a strength-based support initiative developed with and for parents.
ENVISAGE helps caregivers navigate the challenges of raising children with disabilities by providing tools, knowledge, and confidence.
"It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how ENVISAGE has helped families feel more connected and empowered," says Christine.
Christine’s career in disability and neurodevelopmental research spans both clinical and academic roles, having worked in Australia and Canada. She also led the School of Allied Health at the Australian Catholic University.
"The best part of my career has been learning from others - families, researchers, and the broader community."
Outside of work, Christine enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, three adult children and young grandson.
A passionate sailor, she says, "Sailing nourishes my soul; it's a perfect way to step back, see the big picture and find balance."
Looking ahead, Christine is excited about the future of Healthy Trajectories and the ongoing potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of children with disabilities.
"Our goal is to create a future where all children, regardless of ability, can flourish in a truly inclusive society," she says.
For more on the innovative research underway at Healthy Trajectories, please visit the research hub’s website.
