Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre
About the Centre
The "Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre" was established as a joint initiative of La Trobe University and Autism Victoria. The establishment of OTARC was made possible with a private donation by Mrs Olga Tennison in 2007 and the Centre is named after her to acknowledge her generosity. Since then other donations have been received and all donors are gratefully acknowledged.
The Centre provides a vehicle for research activities, evidence-based intervention programs, training opportunities and collaboration between community services and research centres / universities involved in autism research both in Australia and overseas.
It is situated in the School of Psychological Science within the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering (FSTE) at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia. The Director is Dr Cheryl Dissanayake.
An Advisory Committee oversees the operation of OTARC and provides valuable input to ensure a sustainable future. Committee members include:
- Professor Margot Prior (Chair)
- Dr Cheryl Dissanayake (Associate Professor, Director OTARC)
- Professor Tim Brown (PVC Research)
- Professor David Finlay (Dean, Science, Technology & Engineering)
- Dr Catherine Maraffa (Senior Paediatrician; Royal Children's Hospital)
- Dr Amanda Richdale (Associate Professor; RMIT University)
- Dr Cliff Picton (La Trobe University Ombudsman)
- Dr Christine Bigby (School of Social Work and Social Policy)
- Ms Liza Bolton (Corporate Nominee; Cracked Pepper Communications)
- Dr Jacqueline Roberts (University of Canberra & Sydney University)
- Mr Oreste Pompetti (La Trobe University Finance & Resources Manager)
- Ms Cherie Green (Student Representative)
