(Australia) $8M (US) govt funding for university to study autism

June 25, 2026, Biospectrumasia: Australia announces $11 M grant to boost Autism research

La Trobe University’s Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre will receive $11.1 million [$7.68M U.S.] over three years to establish the Australian Autism Knowledge Hub, as part of the Australian Government’s National Autism Strategy. 

This funding will strengthen Autism research and evidence to improve real-world policy, supports and services for Autistic people, their families and carers. The Hub will bring together researchers and the Autism community to coordinate a national approach to transforming Autism research into practical tools. 

La Trobe University will contribute an additional $3.8 million [$2.63M U.S.]to the Hub, taking the total investment to almost $15 million [$10.4M U.S.]. 

The Hub will: 

Use research to create practical tools, frameworks and guidance 

Strengthen Autistic-led and co-produced research 

Support collaboration between researchers, service providers, governments, Autistic people, and the Autism community 

Build capabilities across the Autism research sector, and ensure research is culturally appropriate, trauma-informed and aligns with neurodiversity-affirming principles. 

Researchers will work in partnership with Autistic-led organisations and research institutes to produce findings that reflect the diversity of the Autism community.  All Hub activities will be jointly led and co-designed by Autistic people to ensure research is shaped by lived experience. . . .