Digital Child researcher among nation’s 100 Future Fellows

Professor Lisa Kervin is among the 100 new Future Fellows from around the country chosen to drive Australia’s research and innovation capability. 

Director of Early Start at UOW and Digital Child Chief Investigator, Professor Kervin was awarded close to $1.2 million over four years for her work on intergenerational play. The concept involves understanding how younger and older generations come together for play across diverse contexts, with enjoyable, inclusive and engaging activities that fire the mind and build positive relationships. 

The project will engage with a range of contexts to understand the global landscape of intergenerational play and develop and implement principles and programs that will benefit all those who take part.

Professor Kervin said that intergenerational play can help to combat the disconnection and social isolation that can occur, particularly in older people. 

“Intergenerational play has been in existence across cultures for millennia. It is a connecting force for older and younger generations to come together to exchange ideas, values, traditions, knowledge and skills. But what is missing is an understanding of what this looks like across diverse groups and cultures and how it can benefit everyone involved,” Professor Kervin said. 

“The possibilities of intergenerational play across cultures and different contexts have not yet been realised, so this project offers an exciting opportunity to delve into the principles of intergenerational play and inform policy moving forward. At a time when loneliness is one of the greatest threats to our wellbeing, this research could not be more important for the wellbeing of society.”

The ARC Future Fellowships scheme plays a pivotal role in facilitating research excellence by supporting outstanding mid-career researchers in conducting high-quality, innovative research with the potential to lead to significant discoveries and advancements.