About Us

We conduct and support research that aims to improve the lives of people with a disability, their families and carers.

Each research project we are involved in aims to improve how people with disability are supported to lead empowered and enriched lives.

We support and improve practice through the translation of evidence into practice, advocacy, and informing and influencing Government policy.

Scope’s research priorities are identified in our Research Plan. This plan outlines our emphasis on researching outcomes associated with service provision, inclusion of people with disability in the community, and health and well-being.

The research program is strongly connected to Scope’s practice as an organisation – this means it informs, and is informed by service provision. Our research also aims to inform the wider disability sector.

People in a training room.

Explore our research projects

You can find out more about our current and past research projects.

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Research approval procedure

Scope is committed to research that leads to practical benefits for people with disability, their families and carers, and the wider community. Scope will support some external research by assisting with recruitment. You can find out more about our processes for this.

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Policy submissions

The Research team often addresses key public policy issues through discussion papers and responding to Government consultation processes. You can find out more about Scope’s responses to government consultations.

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Our team

Stella 2

Dr Stella Koritsas

Head of Research and Honorary Associate 

Professor (University of Melbourne, School of Social and Political Sciences)

Stella has over 20 years’ experience in disability. The focus of her research has been on inclusion, health, and mental health in people with intellectual and developmental disability, and research that leads to positive outcomes for people with disability. She has worked in university and non-university environments.

Contact: [email protected]

Caroline

Dr Caroline Hart

Research Officer

Caroline has 20 years’ experience conducting research in both academic and non-academic settings. She has carried out research in the disability sector in Ireland, United Kingdom and Australia. She is interested in practice-oriented, applied research that has practical benefits for people in their everyday settings. Caroline completed a PhD in Sociology at Monash University in 2019. At Scope, she contributes to a range of research projects related to outcomes, wellbeing and social participation of people with disability.

Contact: [email protected]

Marcus

Marcus Plush

Marcus is a Research Assistant at Scope. He also volunteers at a hospital and has worked in an advocacy role. He has a keen interest in ensuring that the rights of people with disability are upheld. He wants to use his research to make a positive change for people.

Nell

Nell Buchanan

Nell is a Research Assistant at Scope. She has also worked in an advocacy role. Nell is passionate about make-up artistry. She has spoken about her research journey at national and international conferences. Nell hopes that her research can contribute meaningfully to improving the lives of people with disability.

Mimari

Mimari Hartono

Mimari is a Research Assistant at Scope. She is also a volunteer and has worked in an advocacy role. Mimari is an artist who has shared and sold her art at exhibitions. Mimari has spoken at conferences about her research journey. She enjoys working in a team to carry out research that helps us understand the support needs of people with intellectual disability.

Annie

Annie Loughens

Annie is a Research Assistant at Scope. She is also a Disability Access Officer at Scope. Annie has had roles as a support worker, an educator, an Easy English consumer tester and administration officer. Annie loves to meet new groups of people, share her personal experiences and insights and talk about disability in a positive way.