Brave Foundation & University of Melbourne Researchers Join National Research Project to Improve Pregnancy Outcomes

A new collaboration between Brave Foundation,  Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, and a University of Melbourne researcher will help break down barriers to support that expecting young parents commonly experience. The collaboration sits within a larger research initiative designed to reduce stillbirth and other adverse pregnancy outcomes for Indigenous parents, young parents and other priority groups.

Safer Baby^SEEK, a national initiative receiving almost $3 million in funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), will empower expectant parents to seek help during pregnancy and improve health provider responses. This multi-year project, led by Dr Christine Andrews (Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland) for the Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, brings together researchers and partners across Australia.

Brave’s Transformation Team and University of Melbourne’s Dr Kelsey Deane will lead the stream focused on young parents, ensuring their voices and lived experiences shape resources that improve communication and support during pregnancy. Insights will inform the co-design of accessible resources that promote help-seeking, reduce stigma, and improve communication between young parents, their families and healthcare professionals.

Brave’s Senior Researcher Grace Kilmer said: “We are proud to contribute to this important national research effort that recognises the expertise of those with lived experience. By working alongside young parents, this research partnership reflects Brave’s commitment to supporting the leadership of young parents in shaping pregnancy care that is meaningful, accessible and safe.”

Dr Kelsey Deane said: “This project is an incredible opportunity to partner with young mothers, as co-researchers, and learn directly from their lived experiences. Their insights are vital to improving how we conduct research about young parents, as well as how we reach, engage, and support isolated young people during pregnancy.”

“Too often, young people navigate pregnancy with limited support and are unsure where to turn when concerns arise. This project aims to change that – by building stronger pathways to support during the antenatal period.”

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Brave’s Vision 2030 strategy and demonstrates progress toward becoming a Centre of Excellence for Young Parents.

28 October 2025