About The Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth

The Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth (Stillbirth CRE) has been established to address the problem of stillbirth in Australia. Specifically, the Stillbirth CRE recognises that stillbirth has enormous economic and psychosocial impacts; that there has been virtually no reduction in rates for over 20 years; that large equity gaps exist; and that families whose child is stillbirth often receive suboptimal care. The Stillbirth CRE has grown from the work of the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ) and the strong partnership between the Stillbirth CRE and PSANZ will ensure optimal outcomes.  The CRE program is based on The Lancet 2016 Ending Preventable Stillbirths series Call To Action, and the specific priorities identified for Australia. As many conditions leading to stillbirth and also interventions to prevent stillbirth may also lead to adverse outcomes for mothers and newborns, the CRE will also incorporate relevant outcomes for mothers and newborns.  The Stillbirth CRE is a collaboration of parents, parent advocates, clinicians, researchers, professional colleges, and policy makers, to generate new knowledge that translates into practice change and improved outcomes.

Governance

The Stillbirth CRE is based on a model encompassing research governance, productivity and leadership. Effective management of the Stillbirth CRE program will be overseen by the Steering Committee, including research development, conduct, and publications. The Steering Committee is committed to meeting face-to-face annually and by teleconferences every three months. In addition, an Executive Committee will meet monthly to ensure day-to-day management and logistical decision-making processes are maintained. Committees have also been developed to ensure engagement of professional colleges and consumer engagement organisations to ensure success of the Stillbirth CRE program.