University of Melbourne Disability Research Hubs
Disability Research Hubs
MDI is delighted to be part of a thriving and dynamic community focused on research that will make a difference to the lives of people with disability, their families and communities.
A key focus of our work is establishing disability-focused hubs and collaboratives across the University, creating dedicated centres of expertise that embed disability research within different disciplines.
By working closely with faculties, schools and departments, we bring together researchers and community partners to build strong, cross-disciplinary collaborations.
The hubs create opportunities to connect ideas, share knowledge and deliver research with real-world impact and reach. You can find more information and updates from each of the hubs below.
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Lead: Professor Christine Imms
Melbourne Children's Campus, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and Melbourne Children's Research Institute (MCRI)Healthy Trajectories supports the development and wellbeing of children and young people with disability through evidence-based research. This includes exploring ways to support children and families, examining barriers and enablers to participation in education, recreation, healthcare and employment, and partnering with organisations that share a commitment to improving outcomes. The hub’s work is guided by the priorities of Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031 and the National Disability Research Agenda 2022.
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Lead: Associate Professor Lisa McKay-Brown
Faculty of EducationThe Hub supports early career academics to develop small, interdisciplinary seed projects co-designed with people with disability, with seven projects funded to date. The Hub is also contributing to policy and practice through publications, submissions, and engagement in key forums such as the Thriving Kids Parliamentary Inquiry.
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Leads: Dr Andrew Martel and Dr Kirsten Day
Faculty of Architecture, Building and PlanningThe Disability Design Now Hub brings together researchers, practitioners, and people with lived experience to advance inclusive design in the built environment. In 2025, the Hub hosted the successful Ableist Cities Symposium, bringing together lived experience perspectives and co-produced research, alongside panels on emerging scholarship and disability sport and recreation. The Hub also continues to influence teaching and practice, partnering with the Summer Foundation to co-deliver Disability Housing Design Studios, supporting the next generation of designers to embed accessibility and inclusion in their work.
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Lead: Associate Professor Anna Arstein-Kerslake
Faculty of LawThe Disability Inclusive Law and Policy Hub encompasses the entire spectrum of ways in which disability, law, and policy intersect – for example, discrimination, human rights, legal capacity, mental health, employment, social security, the NDIS, criminal law, technology, artificial intelligence (AI), access to health care and others.
It is unique in Australia and one of only a small number of disability law research hubs globally with such a broad purpose and vision.
The Hub provides an academic research platform for scholars throughout the Melbourne Law School and beyond to share ideas and collaborate in relation to law and policy reform to contribute to improving outcomes for people with disability.
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Lead: Associate Professor George Disney
School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health SciencesThe NDIS Research Hub uses large-scale administrative data to ensure that as the NDIS is reformed to maintain its sustainability, equitable access and use of services is not put at risk. By analysing patterns across the scheme, the Hub provides evidence to inform policy, improve planning, and ensure that supports are delivered fairly and effectively.
In the spotlight
Disability Inclusive Law and Policy Hub
Discover how the Disability Inclusive Law and Policy Hub has advanced inclusive legislation, shaped policy, and supported the rights of people with disability throughout 2025. From research projects to community partnerships, the Hub is driving meaningful change in law and policy across Australia.
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Research Impact from the Disability Research Hubs in 2025
In 2025, the Disability Research Hubs made significant strides in advancing knowledge, policy, and practice. Through interdisciplinary research, community partnerships, and innovative projects, the Hubs generated insights that are shaping inclusive education, accessible design, and equitable support systems across Australia.
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National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention
Professor Christine Imms and the Healthy Trajectories Child and Youth Disability Research Hub led a national consortium to deliver the National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention. In 2025, the Framework was endorsed by the Australian Government, becoming a key part of Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031.
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Modernising the National Construction Code
The Australian Government, alongside state and territory governments, is working to modernise the National Construction Code (NCC). MDI, in partnership with the Centre for Universal Design (CUDA), has developed practical recommendations in response to this reform process to help shape a more efficient and future-ready NCC.
Learn more