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Parent-Infant Research Institute

The Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) is a leading Australian organisation dedicated to supporting parents and their babies — from conception to two years — to have the best possible start to life. PIRI’s work focuses on families experiencing vulnerabilities or mental health challenges during the perinatal period.

PIRI combines research and clinical expertise to address perinatal depression and the challenges that can affect parents and infants. It is internationally recognised for its pioneering research in postnatal depression and for its active collaborations with partners in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

As Australia’s largest treatment and research centre for antenatal and postnatal depression, PIRI has a strong record of translating research into practice. The Institute develops innovative parent–infant interventions — including e-mental health programs — and provides professional training in perinatal and infant mental health, as well as specialised support for families with premature babies.

How PIRI can help

Areas of specialty include:

  • supporting mental health in the transition to parenthood
  • treatment of antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety
  • enhancing mother–infant relationships
  • promoting healthy infant development
  • reducing the impacts of premature birth
  • screening and early identification of perinatal depression
  • designing and evaluating effective, evidence-based interventions

Read PIRI’s full Mission Statement here

Recommended links

Last reviewed: October 2025

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