history

Our story began in 1986 when paediatrician Professor David Danks established the original Murdoch Institute, with the support of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, her family and others including the late Sir Jack Brockhoff and the Miller family.

Professor Danks' vision for an independent genetic research institute grew from a handful of researchers to become a world-class centre of genetics research and clinical genetics services.

 In early 2000, under the leadership of Chairman Mr Laurie Cox and Director Professor Bob Williamson, the Murdoch Institute and The Royal Children's Hospital Research Institute merged to form the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, with a broader focus on child health research, including public health and clinical research.

The clinical genetics services are now managed by Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, a wholly owned entity of the Institute.

In 2005, under the leadership of Director Professor Terry Dwyer, the Institute underwent a major restructure which resulted in significant growth and increased scientific excellence.

In 2011, Murdoch Childrens celebrated another exciting phase of growth, when we moved into our new home in the new Royal Children's Hospital building.  The move has meant a doubling of research space and has provided our team with world-class facilities. 

Today, Murdoch Childrens is Australia's preeminent child health research institute, recognised globally for its child health discoveries. With over 1500 researchers, the Institute conducts vital research into conditions affecting babies, children and adolescents. Our current research priorities include cancer, heart disorders, genetic conditions, premature birth, obesity, diabetes, and allergies.