Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI) is the largest child health research institute in Australia and one of the top five worldwide. Their team of more than 1900 talented researchers is dedicated to making discoveries to prevent and treat childhood conditions. Many of their researchers are also clinicians at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, where the Institute is based. Their research is informed by the problems facing their patients but it also means when a discovery is made, this is quickly transformed into practical treatments for children in the hospital.
The Institute marked its 30th anniversary in 2016. Their story began in 1986 when paediatrician Professor David Danks established the original Murdoch Institute with the unparalleled generosity and support of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch.
MCRI research improves the lives of millions of kids each year. They research health conditions including diabetes, allergies, asthma, premature birth and mental health problems, which are on the rise in our children, and conditions including cancer and genetic disorders that remain unsolved.
They study the health of communities to understand what factors influence child health at the population level and research common infections and immune conditions both locally and globally.
Their work goes beyond research. They are one of the only research institutes in Australia to offer genetic testing to find answers for families of children with previously undiagnosed conditions, using the latest genetic sequencing technology. They also conduct national newborn screening and allow children to access personalised treatments for conditions like cancer.
MCRI researchers work across five key areas:
Infection and Immunity – Allergies, infections and immune conditions are under the microscope at MCRI with a major focus on developing new vaccines and testing these to ensure they are safe to give to children. Their researchers discovered the diarrhoeal disease rotavirus in 1973 and have recently developed a new immunisation for newborns which is in the final stages of clinical trials.
Cell biology – Cell biology researchers work with stem cells and cutting-edge technology to understand how disease alters healthy cells. They’re developing new treatments for children with cancer, congenital diseases and developmental disorders. Professor Melissa Little and her team have grown mini-kidneys in the lab which will be invaluable to the study of kidney disease and to develop and test new treatments.
Clinical sciences – Their researchers are working to improve the diagnosis and treatment practices for sick babies, children and adolescents with acute and chronic illnesses. Dr Anushi Rajapaksa has developed a vaccine that can be inhaled instead of injected.
Genetics – Their scientists study DNA to understand the genetic basis of diseases including ataxia, thalassemia, mitochondrial and chromosome disorders. They've designed a computer system to help doctors around the world diagnose genetic syndromes.
Population Health – Their diverse team of researchers study the health of communities and translate this knowledge into prevention, intervention and treatment – for example they’re world leaders in unravelling the reasons behind Australia’s high allergy rates. Their research findings have changed recommendations around infant feeding.
Their purpose
They want all children to have the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilled life.
Their beliefs
MCRI’s employees are guided by a strong set of beliefs which shape how they think and act as an organisation.
