ProfessorIona Novak

Professor Iona Novak is a Fulbright Scholar focused on conducting a research program of neuro-protective, neuro-regenerative and neuro-rehabilitative clinical trials in cerebral palsy. She is Cerebral Palsy Alliance Chair of Allied Health, and co-founder of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, affiliated with Brain and Mind Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health at The University of Sydney. She has significant track record in generating and translating new cerebral palsy intervention knowledge, including:

• Conducting numerous Randomised Clinical Trials (RCTs) and Systematic Reviews: in the areas of early intervention, pharmacology, neuroplasticity training, motor training, stem cells, neuroprotection, orthoses, and knowledge translation;
• Building collaborative research networks: She established “Xcellerate” an Australian-American Stem Cell Clinical Trials Translation network, and has Co-Chaired multiple International Prevention and Cure Summits;
• Big data establishment and analysis: She is Co-founder of the Australian Cerebral Palsy Register, the largest whole-country register worldwide; and
• Translating research into practice, conducting studies on evidence uptake.

Her work in evidence-based practice has led to changes in clinical care in 27 countries.

Professor Novak is recognised as an international expert in rehabilitation and neuroplasticity for children with cerebral palsy and is the invited Chair of the International Clinical Guidelines for Cerebral Palsy. She holds multiple competitive grants including Centre’s of Excellence; clinical trials; cohort studies and translational studies for stem cells.