The Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research (WCCNR) is building a world class research program investigating the fundamental, clinical, social and public health factors related to improving childhood nutrition and optimal health. The Centre focuses on all children but pays particular attention to those living with disadvantage and deprivation. The research is premised on using a trauma-informed, codesigned framework to design, develop and deliver research and provides an advocacy platform to amplify the voices of children and their families in order to achieve optimal health. The WCCNR is funded by the Children's Hospital Foundation through a donation from Woolworth's' staff and customers, to co-create evidence-based research that will enable Queensland children to live healthier lives through better food and nutrition. This initiative is a joint collaboration between Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute (QIMRB). The WCCNR innovatively brings together researchers in public health nutrition, immunology and gastroenterology to develop new knowledge in partnership with the broader community and organisations to meet their needs while still providing quality independent research. The research program works to understand the impact of diet on the role of bacteria that live in the gut and their impact on brain development, allergies and mental health. The WCCNR also works with families, communities and schools to improve food literacy and the feeding of children especially for those doing it tough.
