Thinkers in Residence

The Thinker in Residence program invites leading researchers and practitioners to Perth to raise awareness about important issues that impact the wellbeing of WA’s youngest citizens.

During each residency, the Thinker delivers seminars for parents, professionals, educators and researchers and meets with government ministers and senior management of government departments that deliver services to children and families.

The residency generates discussion about the latest research and how this information can be used to inform the policies and practices of a broad range of community and government services.

2016-17 Thinker in Residence - Professor Jane Burns

The 2016-17 Thinker in Residence is e-mental health researcher and advocate Professor Jane Burns. Professor Jane Burns is Professor of Innovation and Industry at The University of Sydney in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Her work focuses on driving practical and positive change in the community and the mental health sector, with a priority on uniting young people with researchers, practitioners and innovators to explore the role of technology in improving mental health programs and services.

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Previous Thinkers in Residence

2014 Thinker in Residence – Dr Michael Ungar

International expert in child resilience Dr Michael Ungar visited Perth in 2014, offering new perspectives on a community-wide approach to building resilience in children and young people, particularly those who are vulnerable or who have complex needs.

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2012 Thinker in Residence – Dr Stuart Shanker

Canadian early childhood expert, Dr Stuart Shanker, examined the function and application of self-regulation as a factor in improving the wellbeing of children and young people in Western Australia.

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2011 Thinker in Residence – Paul Collard

Paul Collard, chief executive of the non-government organisation Creativity, Culture and Education in the UK, investigated the potential for creativity in education and cultural experiences to strengthen the wellbeing of children and young people in Western Australia.

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