Cooperative Research Centre for Young People, Technology and Wellbeing


In late 2010, Inspire successfully led a bid for the establishment of a Cooperative Research Centre for Young People, Technology and Wellbeing (YAW-CRC).

YAW-CRC unites young people with researchers, practitioners and innovators from 70 organisations from across the not-for-profit, academic, government and corporate sectors. The CRC’s role is to conduct research to help us better understand how technologies can be used to ensure all young Australians are safe, happy, healthy and resilient.

YAW-CRC’s research agenda has been developed with over 600 young people. It focuses on achieving change through collaboration and partnership between researchers, young people, parents, professionals and members of the community.

YAW-CRC has been established under the Australian Government Cooperative Research Centres Program. The federal government’s contribution, combined with contributions from 70 partners and over $80m of in-kind support, will resource:

  • the first consolidated Australian data on young people’s technology use, available through DataLab, an online knowledge hub for researchers, policy-makers and the community;
  • DigiEd education and training program for over 350 leaders in youth, technology, cybersafety, mental health and wellbeing;
  • proven online services and tools used by young people and professionals for cybersafety, mental health and wellbeing, available through an Online Wellbeing Centre and Online Clinics; and
  • resources that support parents, the community and professionals to respond to the cybersafety and mental health needs of young people.

YAW-CRC builds on the existing research collaborations undertaken by Inspire with organisations such as Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, Brain & Mind Research Institute and the University of Western Sydney, while providing a platform to foster new collaborations across sectors and settings.

For more information on YAW-CRC, visit www.yawcrc.org.au or email info@yawcrc.org.au

YAW-CRC general enquiries: Michelle Blanchard -michelle@yawcrc.org.au or 0403 171 989

YAW-CRC media enquiries: Vicki Forbes - vicki@yawcrc.org.au or 0402 213 567