Research Interests
Climate change impacts and adaptation Developmental & Child Psychology Early Childhood Education Economic Development Policy Equity and access to education Experimental Economics Inequality studies Pacific Peoples development and wellbeing Pacific Peoples epidemiology Population Health Poverty, inclusivity and wellbeing Social determinants of health Social epidemiology Social impacts of climate change and variability Teacher and student wellbeing Testing, assessment and psychometricsProf Sally Brinkman
Professor
School of Education
College of Education, Behavioural and Social Sciences
Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.
Professor Sally Brinkman’s research focuses on improving the healthy development and early learning of young children in disadvantaged communities across Australia, Asia, the Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East. She works closely with international governments and major donor organisations, primarily with the World Bank, WHO, UNICEF, and UNESCO, to generate evidence that informs policy and drives meaningful change.
In Australia, Professor Brinkman is Director of the Fraser Mustard Centre, an innovative research translation partnership between Adelaide University and the South Australian Department for Education, established in 2012. The Centre bridges research, policy, and practice to improve development, wellbeing and learning outcomes at scale.
Her work combines population-level monitoring with pragmatic randomized controlled trials to understand inequalities in child outcomes and evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of interventions. Through this work, Professor Brinkman has generated influential international evidence shaping early childhood policy, education systems, and community development initiatives.
With more than 200 publications, including in leading journals such as The Lancet and Nature Medicine, her research spans early education, community development, and development economics. Professor Brinkman is widely recognised as a global leader in child development measurement, advising governments and contributing to international expert advisory groups that shape policy and investment in early childhood.
Professor Sally Brinkman’s research focuses on improving the healthy development and early learning of young children in disadvantaged communities across Australia, Asia, the Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East. Her work combines population-level monitoring with pragmatic randomized controlled trials to understand inequalities in child outcomes and evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of interventions. Professor Brinkman is widely recognised as a global leader in child development measurement, advising governments and contributing to international expert advisory groups that shape policy and investment in early childhood.
| Date | Position | Institution name |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 - ongoing | Professor | Adelaide University |
| 2022 - 2025 | Professor | University of South Australia |
| 2019 - 2022 | Career Development Fellow | University of Western Australia |
| 2013 - 2026 | Adjunct Professor | University of Adelaide |
| 2012 - 2022 | Program Head, International Child Development | Telethon Kids Institute |
| 2012 - ongoing | Co-Director | Adelaide University |
| Date | Type | Title | Institution Name | Country | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Research Award | NHMRC Research Excellence Award | National Health and Medical Research Council | Australia | - |
| 2015 | Research Award | Future Health Merit Award | Health Department of Western Australia | Australia | - |
| 2013 | Award | Board of the Graduate Research School Dean's List Winner, in recognition of an outstanding thesis, 2013 | University of Western Australia | Australia | - |
| Date | Institution name | Country | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 - 2013 | University of Western Australia | Australia | PhD |
| 1996 - 1999 | University of Adelaide | Australia | Master of Public Health |
| 1990 - 1993 | Flinders University | Australia | Bachelor of Arts |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Brinkman, S., Sincovich, A., & Vu, B. T. (2017). The Status of Early Childhood Health and Development in Kiribati. World Bank, Washington, DC. DOI |
| 2017 | Brinkman, S., & Thanh Vu, B. (2017). Early Childhood Development in Tonga: Baseline Results from the Tongan Early Human Capability Index. Washington, DC; USA: World Bank, Washington, DC. DOI |
| 2016 | Gregory, T., Harman-Smith, Y., Sincovich, A., Wilson, A., & Brinkman, S. A. (2016). It takes a village to raise a child: The influence and impact of playgroups across Australia. South Australia: Telethon Kids Institute. |
| 2009 | Goldfeld, S., Brinkman, S. A., Sayers, M., Oberklaid, F., Silburn, S., & Zubrick, S. (2009). A Snapshot of Early Childhood Development in Australia. Centre for COmmunity Child Health and Telethon Institute for Child Health Research. |
| 2007 | Brinkman, S. A., Janus, M., & Duku, E. (2007). The EDI Handbook. Ontario: Mc Master University Press. |
| 2005 | Brinkman, S. A. (2005). Australian Early Development Index Building Better Communities for Children, Community Results 2004-2005. Commonwealth of Australia. |
| 2003 | Brinkman, S. A., Hart, B., & Blackmore, S. (2003). How Well are we Raising our Children in the North Metropolitan Area? Early Development Index 2003. Perth, WA: North Metropolitan Health Service. |
| 2001 | Brinkman, S. A. (2001). The Service Population – a new denominator for alcohol related indicators of harm. National Drug Research Institute, Monograph Series. |
| 2001 | Brinkman, S. A., Simon, D. J., Thomas, R., & Maynard, E. J. (2001). Child blood lead levels, developmental stages and environmental exposure to lead- cohort results from the first trimester through to 3 years. Glenelg Press. |
| 1999 | Brinkman, S. A., Gialamas, A., Jones, L., Edwards, P., & Maynard, E. J. (1999). Child Activity Patterns for Environmental Exposure Assessment in the Home. Glenelg Press. |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Janus, M., Brinkman, S., & Guhn, M. (2024). Early Development Instrument. In Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well Being Research (pp. 1925-1932). Springer International Publishing. DOI Scopus1 |
| 2014 | Janus, M., Brinkman, S., & Guhn, M. (2014). Early Development Instrument. In Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well Being Research (pp. 1739-1744). Springer Netherlands. DOI Scopus2 |
| 2014 | Brinkman, S., & Stanley, F. (2014). Public health aspects of child well-being. In A. Ben-Arieh, F. Casas, I. Frones, & J. E. Korbin (Eds.), Handbook of Child Well-Being: Theories, Methods and Policies in Global Perspective (pp. 317-350). Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer. DOI Scopus4 |
| 2014 | McKendrick, J. H. (2014). Geographies of Children’s Well-Being: in, of, and for Place. In Handbook of Child Well-Being (pp. 279-300). Springer Netherlands. DOI |
| 2013 | Brinkman, S., Hyson, M., & Kinnell, A. (2013). Early childhood research and Indonesia's young children. In A. Hasan, M. Hyson, & M. Chang (Eds.), Early Childhood Education and Development in Poor Villages of Indonesia (1 ed., pp. 15-36). United States of America: The World Bank. DOI |
| 2013 | Brinkman, S., Hasan, A., Hyson, M., & Kinnell, A. (2013). Young children in Indonesia's low-income rural communities: How are they doing and what do they need?. In A. Hasan, M. Hyson, & M. Chang (Eds.), Early Childhood Education and Development in Poor Villages of Indonesia (1 ed., pp. 37-96). United States of America: The World Bank. DOI |
| 2013 | Alatas, H., Brinkman, S., Chang, M., Hadiyati, T., Hartono, D., Hasan, A., . . . Roesli, R. (2013). Early childhood education and development services in Indonesia. In D. Suryadarma, & G. Jones (Eds.), Education in Indonesia (pp. 82-108). Online: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS). Scopus6 |
| 2009 | Janus, M., & Brinkman, S. (2009). Evaluating Early Childhood Education and Care Programs. In International Encyclopedia of Education Third Edition (pp. 25-31). Elsevier. DOI Scopus10 |
| 2001 | Brinkman, S., Chikritzhs, T., Stockwell, T., & Mathewson, P. (2001). An indicator approach to the measurement of alcohol-related violence. In P. Williams (Ed.), Unknown Book (pp. 61-83). AUSTRALIAN INST CRIMINOLOGY. WoS9 |
| 1998 | Gun, R. T., Brinkman, S. A., & Cox, R. (1998). Prevention of chemical injury: an unconventional view. In A. M. Feyer, & A. Williamson (Eds.), Unknown Book (pp. 219-229). TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Brushe, M., Lynch, J., Reilly, S., Melhuish, E., & Brinkman, S. (2021). The Word Gap: At What Age Does it Emerge? Results from a Prospective Cohort Study. In INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY Vol. 50 (pp. 1 page). ELECTR NETWORK: OXFORD UNIV PRESS. DOI |
| 2021 | Sincovich, A., & Brinkman, S. (2021). A census approach to monitoring child development informing policy and practice beyond survey samples. In INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY Vol. 50 (pp. 1 page). OXFORD UNIV PRESS. |
| 2021 | Sincovich, A., Gregory, T., Lynch, J., & Brinkman, S. (2021). EARLY CHILD DEVELOPMENT AT 2-5 YEARS PREDICTS COGNITIVE OUTCOMES AT 6-9 YEARS IN LAO PDR: A CASE FOR POPULATION MONITORING USING THE EARLY HUMAN CAPABILITY INDEX IN LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRIES. In JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH Vol. 75 (pp. A6-A7). BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP. DOI |
| 2015 | Freyne, J., Pocock, C., Bradford, D., Harrap, K., & Brinkman, S. (2015). Designing Technology for Assessments of CALD Patients. In Studies in Health Technology and Informatics Vol. 214 (pp. 36-42). Netherlands: IOS Press. DOI Scopus5 Europe PMC4 |
| 2010 | Abstracts of Paediatrics and Child Health Division. March 2-25, 2010. Melbourne, Australia. (2010). In Journal of paediatrics and child health Vol. 46 Suppl 2 (pp. 1-23). Australia: Wiley. DOI |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Brushe, M., Lynch, J., Melhuish, E., Reilly, S., & Brinkman, S. (2021). Inequalities in screen time during the early years: findings from a prospective cohort study. Poster session presented at the meeting of Abstracts of the Society for Social Medicine 65th Annual Scientific Meeting (SSM 2021), as published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. virtual online: BMJ Publishing Group. DOI |
| 2014 | Searle, A., Chittleborough, C., Smithers, L., Brinkman, S., & Lynch, J. (2014). Predicting emotional vulnerability in the first school year using population-level perinatal information: A data linkage study. Poster session presented at the meeting of Society for Mental Health Research Conference. Adelaide. |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| - | Brinkman, S., Lam, B., Engelhardt, D., Gotts, R., & Oakley, A. (n.d.). Leveraging data to support young people's education and wellbeing dataset (Leveraging WEC dataset). DOI |
PERSONAL COMPETITIVE AWARDS
2018, Brinkman S, National Health and Medical Research Council Career Development Fellowship (2019-2022). Inequalities in Child Health and Development. APP1160185. $437,036. (Awarded the top ranked applicant in the Population Health Career Development Fellowship scheme in 2018 and received the NHMRC Research Excellence Award).
2014, Brinkman S. National Health and Medical Research Council Early Career Fellowship (2015-2018). Early Human Capability – Measurement, Intervention Results. APP1090146. $309,436.
2015, Brinkman S, Women and Leadership Australia. (2015-2016). Scholarship for the Advanced Executive Leadership Program. $12,000.
SUCCESSFUL PEER REVIEWED GRANT APPLICATIONS (CATEGORY 1):
2024 Brinkman S.A, Gabriel F., Marrone R., Fowler S., Schunk D., Winkel K., Hermes H., Self Regulation RCT in Primary Schools - Understanding the Mechanism and Impact on Wellbeing and Equity. NHMRC APP 2032115. 2024-2029. $2,347,408.
2024 Chamberlain C, O'Donnell M, Karahalios E, Bohren M, Morgan A, Brinkman S, D'Aprano A, Smith K, Bryant J, Gee G, Jones K, Gnanamanickam E, Kennedy M, Bright T, Krakouer J, Matthews V, Eades S, Mackinnon A; Clarke A, Marriott R, Skouteris H, Segal L, Ratajczak T, Callander E, Gray P. Relighting the firesticks: Accelerating diffusion and progressing to sustainability of innovative care to foster a healthy start to life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. NHMRC APP 2026948. 2024-2029. $5,000,000.
2023 Christian H., Villanueva K., Mclaughlin T., Brinkman S., Boruff B., Schipperijn J., Bai P., George P., Garwood S., Moir S., Waddington B., Clark B., Dufty M., Prior M., Gale M., Healy K. ‘Incorporating children’s voices for more equitable and healthy environments’ Healthway Exploratory Grant
2022 Trapp G, Martin K, Brinkman S, Hooper P, Pulker C, Mandzufas J, Howard J. Exploring the impact of outdoor advertising through the eyes of children. Health Promotion Exploratory Research Grant, 2022 Targeted Research Round: Impact of harmful industry marketing on children and young people. Healthway (#34527, 2022-2024, $74,981).
2022, Badland, Goldfeld Davern, Brinkman, Villanueva, Gauvin. Project Title: Early childhood data to decisions. Vic Health Scheme: Impact Grant. 2022-2024. $197,000
2021 Trapp G., Brinkman S., Cameron A, Cooper M., Pulker C., Youngson S., Howard J. Limiting the impact of energy drinks on children's heart health: a prospective, matched controlled-trial to test the feasibility of a mandatory ban on the sale of energy drinks to children. Heart Foundation – Vanguard Grant. App105827. $150,000
2021 Finlay-Jones A., Brinkman S., Heritage B., Milroy H., Smith J.D., Downs J., Silva D., Wakschlag L., Forde K., Munns A., Green M., Simpson W., Strumpher E., Ang J., Singh D. Implementation Feasibility of an Evidence-Based Early Screening and Support System for Preventing Childhood Mental Health Problems in Western Australia. Western Australian Child Health Research Fund. $249,989
2021 Brinkman S, Gregory T, Engelhardt D. Leveraging data to support young people’s education and wellbeing. Australian Research Data Commons Grant. $367,500
2021 Ferber A, Lorains J, Brinkman S et. al. By us, for us - Understanding and measuring First Nations cultural learning and wellbeing. AIATSIS Application OG00095 $189,000
2019, Brinkman S, Brusche M, Melhuish E. Modern families in the era of mobile technology: understanding how the hidden home environment impacts child development. NHMRC Ideas Grant. (2020-2022). $602,565.
2019, Brinkman S, Gregory T. Taking a population health approach to supporting students social and emotional wellbeing and mental health within the education system. NHMRC Better Partnerships Grant. (2020-2022). Govt and Grant funds total $680,000.
2016, Brinkman S, Reilly S, Lynch J, Melhuish E. The Contribution of Home Language Exposure to the Intergenerational Transmission of Inequality. APP1121830. (2017-2022). NHMRC Project Grant. $1,420,000
2015, Pradhan M, Hasan A, Maika, A., Jung H, Kinnell A, Brinkman S. “Evaluating the longer-term impact and sustainability of community based ECD centers in rural Indonesia”. Strategic Impact Evaluation Fund (SIEF). $494,000 USD.
2015, Pradhan M, Hasan A, Maika, A., Jung H, Kinnell A, Brinkman S. “Evaluating the longer-term impact and sustainability of community based ECD centers in rural Indonesia”. Seed funding from the Strategic Impact Evaluation Fund (SIEF). $25,000 USD.
2015, Hasan A, Jung H, Pradhan M, Kinnell A, Brinkman S. (2015). Indonesian Early Childhood Education and Development Project. Impact Evaluation to Development Impact Fund (i2i). UK Department for International Development. P148270. £50,000.
2014, Grant J., Parry Y., Colmer K., Brinkman S., Miller K., Sumison J., Walsh K., Gibson C., Javanovic J., Kruske S., 'Developing a national interdisciplinary educational framework for professionals working with children in the early years'. DIISRTE Learning and Technology Grant: ID14-3938 (2014-2016) $223,000.
2013, Laurens, K, Green M, Brinkman S, Dix K, Dean K, Lenroot R, Carr V. Identifying new targets for primary school mental health interventions using population data. NHMRC Project Grant: APP1058652. (2014-2016). $772,647.
2013, Brinkman, S; Silburn, S; Gregory, T; Pearson, G; Schonert-Reichl, K.; Guhn, M; Gadermann, A; Engelhardt, D; Cahill, R. Assessing the development, well-being, and community connectedness of children in the middle years: The Middle Development Instrument for Australia. ARC LP130100535 (2013-2015). Partner Organisations: The University of British Columbia; SA Department for Education and Child Development; WA Department of Education. $223,000.
2013, Goldfeld, SR; Woolcock, GW; Tanton, R; Katz, IB; Findlay, T; Brinkman, SA; Giles-Corti, B; Ford, L; Hampshire, AC; Ayres, R; West, S; Robinson, J; Nolan, CM; Strachan, T; Perrett, C; Gould, P; Donovan, JA. The Kids in Communities Study: national investigation of community level effects on children's developmental outcomes. ARC LP130100411 (2013-2016). Partner Organisations: The University of British Columbia; SA Department for Education and Child Development; DEEWR, Vic Department of Education, QLD Dept of Education, ACT Dept of Education, The Smith Family. $568,815.
2013, Lynch J, Chittleborough C, Smithers L, Sawyer M, Brinkman S, Mittinty M, Sawyer A, Bowering K. (then AI’s Strachan T, McEntee P, Berry J, Graham C., Baghust P, Gregory T, Banham D.). NMHRC Better Heath Partnership Project Grant. (2013-2016). Child Health and Development: A South Australian Data Linkage Study $450,000. APP1056888
2012, Brinkman S. Indonesian early childhood education and development program (ECED) (R11-111). Australian Leadership Awards, AusAID. $102,850
2010, Carr, V., Laurens, K., Holbrook, A., Lenroot, R., Brinkman, S., Bore, M., Maloney, E., Smith, M., Matthews, R. The NSW Child Development Study, $1,890,000 provided by partners with ARC Linkage Projects 2011 Round 1 providing $429,099 (2011-2014). LP110100150
2008, Brinkman S, Pradhan M, Beatty A. Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial evaluating a Community Based Early Childhood Program in Indonesia – Capacity Building Local Academics. 2009-2012. AusAid Australian Development Research Award $750,000.
2007, Oddy, W., Hart,B., Henly, N., Hauk, Y., Brinkman, S., Ellies P., and Jackiewicz T. Promoting Optimal Infant Nutrition: The Perth Breastfeeding Scoping Project. Healthway Grant $200,000
2002, Silburn, S., Brinkman, S., Hart, B., Cochrane, K., Mcauley, D., and Codde, J. The Preconception Intervention Program – A Randomised Controlled Trial. Healthway Grant $300,000.
SUCCESSFUL PEER REVIEWED GRANT APPLICATIONS (CATEGORY 2):
2022 - 2026, Walker S, Hunt S, Caeyers B., Krutikova S., Brinkman S et.al. Unlocking children’s potential to thrive Research into taking early childhood development (ECD) interventions to scale (THRIVE). FCDO Ref No: PROJ 10123. £5,750,000
2013, Kinnell A, Lynch J, Silburn S, Arney F, Chong A, Brinkman S. Learning from success: Child development improvements in Northern Territory and South Australian Aboriginal communities. Application no. 14844. Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation. Early Career Grant. $37,000.
2013, Brinkman S, Zubrick S, Silburn S, Lynch J., Carr V. Proof of Concept 3: the national data linkage of perinatal through to AEDI through to early education records. Population Health Research Network. $269,173.
2006, Goldfeld, S., Brinkman, S., Gleeson, B., Kershaw, P., Katz, I., Munth, P., Randolf, B., Tanton, R., Wiseman, J. Understanding Community level Factors that influence children’s outcomes in disadvantaged areas across Australia. 2006-2007. $40,000. ARACY Funding.
2003, Hands, B., Parker, H., Brinkman, S., Read, H., Glasson, C. Western Australian Child Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey; 2003 – 2006. WA Govt. $300,000 p.a.
1994, Gun R., and Brinkman, S. Occupational Acute Chemical Injury – Funding obtained from Worksafe Australia $180,000.
SUCCESSFUL GRANT APPLICATIONS (CATEGORY 2) and CONTRACT RESEARCH:
Brinkman, S., Lam, B., Fowler, S., Gabriel, F., Marrone, R., & Dawson, S. (2023) Self-Regulated Learning RCT. South Australian Department for Education $850,000
Brinkman, S., & Lam, B. (2023) AEDC Analyses. Settlement Services International. $31,606
Brinkman, S., & Lam, B. (2023) Playgroups and Child Development: Update. Playgroups Australia. $23,226
Brinkman, S., Gabriel, F. (2023) Rapid-Response Evidence Reviews – Metacognition. South Australian Department for Education. $52,652
Brinkman, S., Lam, B., Marrone R., Gabriel, F., Dawson, S., & Fowler, S. (2023) The measurement of Self Regulated Learning – develop and pilot items for inclusion in the WEC. South Australian Department for Education. $98,210
Brinkman S, Howells S, Lam B, Marone R (2022). Provide Brief Research Support to the SA Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care. Attorney Generals Department of South Australia. $41,089
Harman-Smith, Y., Gregory, A., Harvey, E. & Brinkman, S. (2021) Review of Inclusive Preschool Programs and Universal Access funded Aboriginal Children with Hearing Impairment Support Program. South Australian Department for Education. $88,371
2021 Gregory, A., Harman-Smith, Y., Heritage, B., & Brinkman, S. Evaluation of the Learning+ Pilot Program. Social Ventures Australia. $120,000
2021 Harman-Smith, Y., & Brinkman, S. Early Years Strategic Priority - Scoping and Mapping. Wellbeing SA. $48,922
Sincovich, A., Brushe, M., Gregory, T., Harman-Smith, Y., Brinkman, S. National School Readiness Project. South Australian Department for Education. (2021). $73,869.
Brinkman, B., Sincovich, A., & Brushe, M. Genetic Education Research Data Infrastructure (GERDI): Proof of Concept. South Australian Department for Education. (2021). $104,312.
Sincovich, A. & Brinkman, S. Exploring trends in the early development of children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Settlement Services International. (2020). $31,263.
Sincovich, A. & Brinkman, S. Review of trends in disabilities, mental health disorders, and complex needs among children and adolescents. South Australian Department for Education. (2020). $87,948.
2020. Brinkman, S., Harman-Smith, Y., Gregory, T. Research Translation and Implementation Support to the State and Territory Coordinators for the 2018 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). (2020-2022). Australian Federal Department of Education and Training. $3,800,000.
2019 Brinkman, S., Harman-Smith, Y., & Gardner-Brunton, S. Evaluation of the Child and Family Assessment and Referral Network. South Australian Department for Human Services. $236,500
2019. Brinkman, S., Harman-Smith, Y. & Gregory, T. Jurisdictional, demographic and socio-economic inequalities in the AEDC over the past decade (2009 to 2018). $156,329.
2019. Sincovich, A., Gregory, T., Harman-Smith, Y. & Brinkman, S. (2019). The relationship between playgroup attendance and child development using the 2018 Australian Early Development Census data. $20,000.
2019. Brinkman, S. & Sincovich, A. An evaluation of the Learning Together and Learning Together @ Home Programs. South Australian Department for Education and Child Development. $89,716.
2018. Brinkman, S., Gregory, T., Harman-Smith, Y., & Sincovich, A. Early Literacy Skills: exploring the evidence and pedagogical approaches that best support children’s early literacy skills. (2018-2019). South Australian Department for Education and Child Development. $64,991.
2018. Gregory, T., & Brinkman, S. Preschool attendance and school outcomes. South Australian Department for Education. $25,000.
2017. Brinkman, S., Harman-Smith, Y., Gregory, T. Research Translation and Implementation Support to the State and Territory Coordinators for the 2018 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). (2017-2019). Australian Federal Department of Education and Training. $2,700,000.
2017. Gregory, T., Brinkman, S., Harman-Smith, Y. & Sincovich, A. Addressing the ceiling effects on the five Early Development Instrument (EDI) scales. (2017-2020). Australian Federal Department of Education and Training. $513,076.
2017, Brinkman S., Gregory T. Australian Early Childhood Education and Development Experience (AECEDE) research project (2017–2018). Department of Education and Training. $580,002
2017, Arney F., Brinkman S., Lynch J. Early Intervention Research Directorate (EIRD): lead the development community profiles and systems mapping; and provide thought leadership across all EIRD work programs (2017–2018). Government of South Australia, Department of Premier and Cabinet. $2,640,000
2017, Harman-Smith Y., Brinkman S. Provision of Australian Early Development Census resources for the schooling and early childhood education and care sectors (2017). Department of Education, Western Australia. $320,251
2017, Arney F., Harman-Smith, Brinkman S. Collaborative research agreement: provide formative and summative elevation of the targeted roll-out of Triple P programs in South Australia. Department of Education and Child Development (2017–2019). $800,000
2016. Brinkman, S., Gregory, T., Harman-Smith, Y., & Sincovich, A. Exploring different methodological approaches to enhancing the scaling properties of the Early Development Instrument (EDI). (2016). Australian Federal Department of Education and Training. $30,000.
2016. Brinkman, S., Harman-Smith, Y., Gregory, T. & Sincovich, A. Exploring the impact of playgroup attendance on children development in the 2015 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data. Playgroups Australia. $30,861.
2016, Harman-Smith Y., Brinkman S. Provision of Australian Early Development Census resources for Queensland schools (2016–2017). Department of Education and Training, Queensland. $220,890
2016, Gregory T., Brinkman S. Revised student wellbeing survey: cleaning, analysis and advice on student engagement and wellbeing measurement scales (2016). Department for Education and Child Development, South Australia. $24,787
2016, Brinkman S. School on-entry assessment: develop and test an evidence-based on-entry assessment for state-wide implementation (2016–2018). Department for Education and Child Development, South Australia. $342,242
2016, Gregory T., Brinkman S. Review of the quality of evidence for preschool and school-based programs that support the development of emotional maturity and social competency; and review of the quality of evidence for school-based perseverance and academic self-concept intervention programs (2016). Department for Education and Child Development, South Australia. $37,151
2016, Brinkman S., Harman-Smith Y. Miller Communities for Children Program: Measurement and evaluation of the outcome-based framework (2016). Mission Australia. $17,000
2015, Brinkman S., Gregory T. Support for the measurement of wellbeing across the middle years (2015–2016). Department for Education and Child Development, South Australia. $132,000
2015, Brinkman S., Harman-Smith, Y. Evaluation of the effectiveness of early Childhood Leaders (2015). Department for Education and Child Development, South Australia. $49,146
2014, Brinkman S., Harman-Smith Y, Gregory T. Sincovich A. Evaluation of Playgroups in Australia. (2014–2015). Playgroups Australia. Playgroups Australia. $170,000
2014, Brinkman S., Harman-Smith Y, Gregory T. Sincovich A. Research Translation and Implementation Support to the State and Territory Coordinators for the 2015 Australian Early Development Census 2014–2017. Department of Education. $3,400,000
2014, Brinkman S. Retainer to provide strategic support to the Department of Education, 2014–2017. $70,000.
2014, Gregory T., Brinkman S. Capacity building support for the analyses of Middle Development Index data. 2014. $25,000.
2014, Brinkman S., Critical analyses of assessment and screening tools being used in practice in Australia for children aged 0–8years. Department of Education and Child Development, South Australia. 2013–2016. $70,000.
2013, Brinkman S. Evaluation of Child Protection Practice and Policy. Department of Education and Child Development, South Australia. 2013–2016. $300,000.
2013, Brinkman S. Evaluation of the Strong Start Program. Department of Education and Child Development. 2013–2014. $50,000.
2013, Brinkman S, Smyth V, Taylor C. Testing the feasibility and utility of LENA – an objective measure of spoken language – application to early childhood. $90,000.
2013, Brinkman S. Analyses of the AEDI for South Australia Population Planning. $30,000.
2012, Brinkman S. Thriving in Adversity: To examine the characteristics of individuals, schools and communities that thrive in adversity. Department of Education and Child Development, South Australia. 2012–2013. $80,000.
2012, Brinkman S, Roos N, Engelhardt D., Farthing G. Knowledge Transfer – how best to influence policy – Partnering between Manitoba and South Australia. Department of Education and Child Development, South Australia. 2012–2013. $95,000.
2012, Brinkman S. Gender Differences – investigating the gender differentials in developmental and educational trajectories. Department of Education and Child Development, South Australia. 2012–2013. $80,000.
2012, Brinkman S. Evaluation of the South Australian Children’s Centres. Department of Education and Child Development, South Australia. 2012 – 2015. $300,000.
2012, Brinkman S., Hertzman C., Guhn M., Engelhart D., Lezcowich A. Piloting the Middle Development Instrument in South Australia and Western Australia. 2012–2013. $65,000 to TICHR, $300,000 to the Department of Education and Child Development SA. COAG funding.
2011, Brinkman S., Zubrick S. Australian Early Development Index Research Works 2012–2015. Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. $1,700,000.
2011, Brinkman S, Zubrick S, Silburn S, Lynch J, Carr V. Proof of Concept for the national data linkage of the AEDI utilising the Public Health Research Network Nodes. Public Health Research Network $215,000 and COAG matched funds for $179,000.
2009, Goldfeld S, Brinkman S, Katz I, Wiseman J, Gleeson B. Kids in Communities Study; how does community influence child development? 2009–2010. ARACY $40,000, Dept of Early Childhood Victoria $100,000.
2008, Prof F. Oberklaid, Prof S Silburn, Dr S Goldfeld, Ms S Brinkman. A National Progress Measure. The Australian Early Development Instrument (AEDI) – a census of 5 year olds. 2009–2013. Australian Govt $23,000,000.
2007, Prof S. Silburn, Ms S Brinkman, Dr B. Hart, Dr D. Lawrence and Dr J Codde. Longitudinal evaluation of the Virtual Parenting Program – A Randomised Controlled Trial. Department of Health $140,000.
2007, Prof S. Silburn, Ms S Brinkman, Dr B. Hart, Dr D. Lawrence and Dr J Codde. Longitudinal evaluation of the Virtual Parenting Program – A Randomised Controlled Trial. Department of Education $35,000.
2006, Prof F. Oberklaid, Prof S Silburn, Dr S Goldfeld, Ms S Brinkman, Dr B Hart. Australian Early Development Instrument (AEDI): Building Better Communities for Children. 2007 – 2009. Australian Govt $1,200,000.
2006, Prof S Silburn, Ms S Brinkman, Ms R Parum. Australian Early Development Instrument (AEDI): Adaptation to and for Indigenous Communities across Australia. 2007–2009. Australian Govt $600,000 and Shell Australia $900,000.
2003, Prof F. Oberklaid, Prof S Silburn, Dr S Goldfeld, Ms S Brinkman, Dr B Hart. Australian Early Development Instrument (AEDI): Building Better Communities for Children. 2003 – 2006. Australian Govt $900,000 and Shell Australia $900,000.
2002, Prof S. Silburn, Ms S Brinkman, Dr B. Hart, Ms K Cochrane, Mr D McAuley and Dr J Codde. The Preconception Intervention Program – A Randomised Controlled Trial. WA Lotteries Commission Grant $94,000.
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Program | Degree Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Principal Supervisor | Scaling Quality and Compliance in Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Low-Resource and Fragile Contexts: A Systems-Level Analysis | - | Doctorate | Part Time | Ms Melissa Jayne Watson |
| 2025 | Principal Supervisor | Effectiveness of supported playgroup models in promoting child development and parental empowerment for families with children aged birth to three years | - | Doctorate | Full Time | Mrs Emily Renee Bowden |
| 2025 | Principal Supervisor | Investigating the efficacy of social anxiety therapy administered in schools by teachers, counsellors and volunteers in making oracy education more effective and inclusive | - | Doctorate | Part Time | Mr Mark Francis Irwin |
| 2024 | Principal Supervisor | What makes In-service Teacher Development Effective in Pacific Island Countries? Co-Constructing a Contextually Grounded Framework for In-service Teacfher Development | - | Doctorate | Full Time | Miss Danielle Perfect |
| 2024 | Co-Supervisor | Exploring the impact of AI dialogic agents on high school students wellbeing | - | Doctorate | Part Time | Mr Joshua Lamb |
| 2024 | Principal Supervisor | Developing a system approach to assessing quality in playgroups | - | Doctorate | Full Time | Mr Craig Bradbrook |
| 2024 | Co-Supervisor | Navigating the Leap: Wellbeing Trends in South Australian Students Transitioning from Primary to Secondary Education | - | Doctorate | Full Time | Mr Mason Zhou |
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Program | Degree Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 - 2022 | Principal Supervisor | Validating a Population Measure of Early Childhood Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: The Early Human Capability Index | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Part Time | Miss Alanna Sincovich |
| 2012 - 2016 | Co-Supervisor | Effects of Inequality, Family Investment and Early Childhood Interventions on Children Cognitive and Socio-Emotional Wellbeing in Indonesia | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Mrs Amelia Maika |
| Date | Role | Board name | Institution name | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 - ongoing | Board Member | Board of the Australian Council for Early Childhood Education and Care Quality Assessment (ACECQA) | Australian Council for Early Childhood Education and Care Quality Assessment | Australia |
| 2013 - 2025 | Board Member | Playgroup Association of South Australia Board | Playgroup Association of South Australia | Australia |
| Date | Role | Committee | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 - ongoing | Member | Child Health Accountability and Tracking (CHAT) Technical Advisory Group | World Health Organization | Switzerland |
Available For Media Comment.