New research to explore how Minecraft can support connection for young people in hospital
University of Melbourne Faculty of Education Associate Research Fellow, Jess Rowlings, has secured funding through the National Disability Research Partnership’s (NDRP) highly competitive 2026 Disability Research Funding round for ‘Playing Together: Creating moments of social connection in hospital care through digital play.’
The project will pilot and evaluate a safe, supported online Minecraft program in partnership with The Royal Children’s Hospital, exploring how shared digital play can foster authentic social connections, strengthen sense of belonging and support positive engagement with hospital settings.
Young people who are neurodivergent or have disability can experience social isolation, particularly during hospital care. ‘Playing Together’ will investigate how a familiar digital environment can create opportunities for connection and participation during what can be a challenging time for children and their families.
“This project is an exciting opportunity to understand how a co-designed Minecraft program that centres lived experience leadership can support social connection, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging,” says Ms Rowlings. “By using a strength-based approach, we hope to promote an inclusive play setting where children can connect over mutual interests while also connecting with peers who share experiences similar to their own.”
Led by Ms Rowlings, the research team including the Faculty of Education’s Dr Sarah Timperley and Dr Sean Marshall, brings lived experience of neurodivergence and disability to the project. Researchers will work with children, young adults with disability, families and hospital staff to co-design and evaluate the program, ensuring the research reflects the experiences and priorities of the people it aims to support.
The research will build on learnings from Next Level Collaboration, a research-informed neurodiversity affirming social capacity building program for children, at the Faculty of Education. Ms Rowlings is the CEO and co-founder of Next Level Collaboration, which is now in its seventh year.
Associate Research Fellow Jess Rowlings with Associate Professor Matt Harrison and Next Level Collaboration participants
Young adults with lived experience, who have gained skills facilitating inclusive gaming programs through the Next Level Collaboration program, will be employed as Minecraft session facilitators, supporting child-led participation in a safe and protected online environment.
“Our research team is proudly lived experience-led, and their breadth of experiences have actively informed the development of this research study,” says Ms Rowlings. “Using a design research model, we will continually consult with our child participants and adult facilitators throughout the Minecraft program to make iterative changes informed by their lived experience to better support their needs.”
The project aims to develop practical insights into how digital play can promote inclusion and a sense of belonging throughout hospital experiences.
‘Playing Together’ is one of 19 projects selected for funding through NDRP’s 2026 Disability Research Funding round, supporting research that centres the experiences and priorities of people with disability. Chosen from 176 applications, the successful funding bid will draw from a pool of $4.92 million.
The project will commence in January 2027 with the intended participant group and evaluation approach, with findings expected in October.