Check out the latest events from UC's Child Well-being Research Institute.
2026 Child Well-being Research Institute Literacy Symposium - Global Perspectives, Local Impact: Evidence, Innovation, and the Future of Reading
The 2026 Symposium brought together over 130 educators and world-leading researchers from the University of Oxford, Georgia State, and Griffith University to explore the future of literacy. The event showcased an impressive range of international research on oral language foundations, dyslexia risk factors, and specialist writing interventions. A highlight noted attendees was the five-year data from the national Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA), which showed clear improvements in reading levels for learners across New Zealand.
2025 Child Well-being Research Institute Symposium: From Insight to Impact: Advancing Child Wellbeing in a Changing World
Keynote Speaker - Dr Claire Achmad (Children’s Commissioner)
The Symposium featured an outstanding array of high calibre UC researchers who provided a series of presentations related to literacy, as well as other contemporary issues that influence children’s learning, development, mental health and well-being. Topics included climate change, digital screen use, neurodivergence, and physical health.
A highlight was the Children's Commissioner, Dr Claire Achmad, who provided the opening keynote address for this popular event.
2025 Autism Research Centre Symposium: Weaving Research into Policy and Practice to Support Autistic Well-Being
Keynote Speaker - Professor David Trembath
Autistic Partnership in Action: Weaving Research into Policy and Practice to Support Autistic Well-Being brought together researchers, practitioners, and community partners to explore collaborative approaches to supporting autistic wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand. Keynote speaker Professor David Trembath highlighted the opportunities created by the new Autism Research Centre Aotearoa New Zealand to strengthen research, policy, and practice. Presentations covered co-designed early supports, equitable access to services, life-course outcomes, and autistic quality of life, while the AP-NZ panel reinforced the importance of autistic voices in shaping future research and support systems.
