Murdoch Children's Research Institute - MCRI

Murdoch Children's Research Institute - MCRI Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) is dedicated to making discoveries to prevent and treat common and rare childhood conditions.

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ryone. If you need medical advice, please consult a medical professional. Or, in the event of an emergency, call 000 or the emergency services where you are. Respectful Engagement
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Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) is Australia's largest child health research institute and is ranked among the top three globally for research quality and impact. Our team of 1,800+ researchers works across over 150 common and rare diseases and conditions affecting children and adolescents. From allergies and asthma, diabetes and mental health issues to cancer and rare genetic disorders, we are relentless in our pursuit to transform child health through research and give all children the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilled life. Our story began in 1986, when world-leading philanthropist Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and genetics pioneer Professor David Danks imagined a better future for our children and established the original Murdoch Institute for Research in Birth Defects. Since then, MCRI has grown from a genetics research institute to a global leader in child health. Our work also goes beyond research. MCRI is one of the only research institutes in Australia to offer genetic testing via our subsidiary, the Victorian Clinic of Genetic Services (VCGS), to find answers for families of children with previously undiagnosed conditions. Operating in a unique model with The Royal Children's Hospital and the University of Melbourne, MCRI is part of a great circle of healthcare and discovery – helping transform child health from the laboratories to clinics and out into communities.

The future of health and medical research in Australia 🔬Long-term sustainability is one of the defining challenges facin...
05/08/2026

The future of health and medical research in Australia 🔬

Long-term sustainability is one of the defining challenges facing Australia’s medical research sector. Professor Steve Wesselingh has led the National Health and Medical Research Council - NHMRC since 2023, helping shape a more coordinated and sustainable health and medical research system for Australia.

In this Danks seminar, he looked ahead at the priorities driving that work nationally, and what they mean for institutes like Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and the researchers building the future of health and medical research in Australia 🌏

Big results from a world-first initiative ✅Research led by MCRI’s World Scabies Program has shown that a national mass d...
29/07/2026

Big results from a world-first initiative ✅

Research led by MCRI’s World Scabies Program has shown that a national mass drug administration program using ivermectin significantly reduced scabies and impetigo in Solomon Islands and Fiji.

MCRI Dr Susanna Lake said the results showed that scabies could be controlled through coordinated national action.

“Our findings demonstrate for the first time that scabies, a disease that causes enormous suffering for children and families, can be significantly reduced when effective treatment is delivered at scale,” she said.

Supported by local Ministries of Health and international research partners, the program highlights what’s possible when research is translated into public health action – improving the health and wellbeing of children, families and communities. Read more 👉 https://direc.to/paCk

The World Scabies Program is an MCRI initiative, made possible by the Macquarie Group 50th Anniversary Award with additional funding from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other generous donors 👉 https://www.macquarie.com/au/en/about/community/50th-anniversary-award.html

A rare genetic condition that can be fatal in childhood may be treatable with vitamin B3 💙New research led by MCRI and t...
29/07/2026

A rare genetic condition that can be fatal in childhood may be treatable with vitamin B3 💙

New research led by MCRI and the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine has found that early treatment with high-dose niacin (vitamin B3) could help improve survival outcomes for children with NAXD deficiency, a rare genetic disorder that can cause rapid and severe deterioration.

The study also identified nine additional cases, revealing that the condition may affect children in more ways than previously understood – including impacts on the nervous system, heart and development before birth.

MCRI Dr Nicole Van Bergen said the findings could change the outlook for children living with NAXD deficiency by highlighting the importance of early recognition and intervention.

Read more about how this research offers new hope for families affected by this devastating condition 👉 https://direc.to/paJo

University of Luxembourg

When Maddie rings The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne celebration bell later this year, it will mark the end of a l...
28/07/2026

When Maddie rings The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne celebration bell later this year, it will mark the end of a long and challenging journey 💛

Diagnosed with leukaemia at just 15 months old, Maddie has spent much of her young life undergoing procedures, blood tests and chemotherapy.

Mum Lucy said programs like Comfort First made an enormous difference, helping reduce fear and distress through small, thoughtful interventions that built trust and resilience.

💬 “On one occasion, Maddie was sent home with a spare plastic oxygen mask, bright stickers, scented lip balm and instructions on how to wear a mask before her next procedure.” Lucy said. “The lip balm masked the smell of the gas and the mask helped her prepare while providing a sense of control. These small comforts stop our children having trauma that lasts a lifetime.”

This National Pain Week, MCRI is helping turn those lessons into lasting change. With funding, a new project, the Children’s Comfort Promise, will bring together researchers, clinicians and families to improve how needle pain is assessed, prevented and managed across paediatric healthcare.

Read more about Maddie's story and the research helping create better healthcare experiences for children and families 👉 https://direc.to/pasy

The University of Melbourne

For Harry and his family, antibiotic resistance isn’t a statistic. It's personal 💊Born with kidney failure, Harry began ...
20/07/2026

For Harry and his family, antibiotic resistance isn’t a statistic. It's personal 💊

Born with kidney failure, Harry began dialysis at just six months old and received a kidney transplant from his father when he was four. Today, the 13-year-old relies on immunosuppressant medication, which means infections remain a constant concern.

As a young child, doctors discovered that some of the bacteria causing Harry’s infections were resistant to several commonly used antibiotics.

Our new MCRI-led study found antibiotic resistance is rising in children around the world, while a new platform – AMR in Kids – will help clinicians, researchers and policymakers track resistance trends and identify emerging threats before they become even greater clinical challenges.

“The website could be a game changer, helping to challenge the perception that antibiotics are always the best option.” Harry’s mum Eileen said. “People are already starting to understand the long-term effects of antibiotics, but there is a long way to go with education around resistance.”

Harry’s story highlights why antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to children’s health globally. Learn more 👉 https://direc.to/pabe

High blood pressure isn’t just an adult health issue 📈Australia’s first clinical guidelines for identifying and managing...
15/07/2026

High blood pressure isn’t just an adult health issue 📈

Australia’s first clinical guidelines for identifying and managing high blood pressure in children have been developed by a national collaboration led by MCRI and Edith Cowan University (ECU), helping address a longstanding gap in paediatric care.

Childhood hypertension is becoming more common alongside rising rates of obesity, with around one in seven children and adolescents worldwide affected. Research shows high blood pressure in childhood can be linked to serious health conditions later in life, including heart disease and stroke.

The new guidelines recommend:
✔️ Blood pressure checks at seven to nine years and again at 13 to 15 years
✔️ Screening at healthcare visits for children over three with risk factors
✔️ Family-centred lifestyle support, including healthy eating and physical activity
✔️ Clear pathways for monitoring and treatment when needed

By identifying children at risk earlier, we have an opportunity to improve long-term health outcomes and support healthier futures. Read more 👉 https://direc.to/o_i8

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50 Flemington Road
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3052

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