Valsa is head of Ingham Institute’s Child Health & Wellbeing Flagship, as well as Chair of Infant, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at UNSW Sydney and South Western Sydney Local Health District. The Fellowship is one of the highest honours in Australian health and medical science, recognising exceptional contributions to research, clinical leadership, and the translation of discoveries into practice and policy.
Valsa is internationally recognised for her work in early childhood development, mental health, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and Tourette syndrome. Over the past 25 years, she has combined world-class research with a commitment to community-based care, particularly in South West Sydney – one of the state’s most diverse and rapidly growing regions.
Her team’s pioneering programs, including the “Watch Me Grow” digital platform and the South West Sydney Child Development Initiative, have advanced early identification and support for children at risk of developmental vulnerability. These initiatives have informed national policy and are now used as models for equitable and scalable child-development interventions.
Valsa’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping new models of care such as the STAR for Kids (Strengths-based Tiered Accessible Resources and Supports) through a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funded Centre of Research Excellence in child and family Health that bridges research, clinical practice and health-system innovation — ensuring that evidence reaches the children and families who need it most.
“I am deeply honoured to be elected to the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences,” she said. “This recognition reflects the collective effort of a dedicated team working to improve life-course outcomes for children from some of the most disadvantaged communities. Together, we aim to ensure that no child is left behind.”
In addition to her roles at Ingham Institute, UNSW and SWSLHD, Valsa is a NHMRC Senior Research Leadership Fellow. She is Chair of the Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, a Board member of the World Psychiatric Association and President of the International Neuropsychiatric Association. Her election to the Academy highlights Australia’s growing focus on translational and equitable research — connecting discovery science with health-system delivery to improve health outcomes.
Ingham Institute CEO Simone Proft said: “At Ingham Institute, we talk about translational research that changes health access, healthcare, and health outcomes for our unique community. For decades, Valsa’s work has epitomised what it to retain local focus while achieving national significance and global impact!”
The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences brings together the nation’s most distinguished scientists, clinicians and health leaders to advance research and innovation, provide independent advice, and promote evidence-based improvements in health care and policy.
