
The Centre for Hormone Research
The Centre for Hormone Research (CHR), part of the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, is the research arm of the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. The Centre also has close links to the University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics.
CHR has a staff of around forty scientists, clinicians and support staff whose research is devoted to increasing the understanding of the hormonal processes in the body that control growth, development and metabolism, and to discovering new therapies for disorders. We seek to provide the children and families affected by diabetes and disorders of growth and development with a future free of physical, social and emotional handicap.
CHR aims to provide a strong link between 'basic' or laboratory research and the clinic, both via clinical research and through the care of affected children and their families. Integration between research and clinical treatment of patients is one of our major strengths.
Research
Our major areas of research are Diabetes, Growth, Sexual Development, Obesity and Healthy Bones - the work is conducted by our three research groups.
CHR Executive
Professor George Werther (Director)
Fergus Cameron
Vincenzo Russo
Matthew Sabin
CHR Development Board
The Development Board oversees the fund-raising and public relations activities of the Centre. Board members include the Executive and representatives from the community, corporate, the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI) and Royal Children's Hospital Foundation:
David N Galbally QC (Chairman)
Bryce Cameron
Vince Comito
Anne Cronin (MCRI)
David J Galbally
Stefan Hnativ (RCH Foundation)
Katie Finney
Philippa Finney
Alyssa Jones (MCRI)
Adrian King
Jacqueline Pascarl
Raoul Salter
Charlotte Whittle
Newsletters
We keep you informed of our activities through the newsletters, which you can download here, or contact us if you would like a copy mailed to you.
Newsletter Issue 10 - 2010Newsletter Issue 9 - 2009
Newsletter Issue 8 - 2007
Newsletter Issue 7 - 2006
Newsletter Issue 6 - 2005
Newsletter Issue 5 - 2004
Newsletter Issue 3 - 2003 (front) / Newsletter Issue 3 - 2003 (back)
Newsletter Issue 2 - 2001 (front) / Newsletter Issue 2 - 2001 (back)
Newsletter Issue 1 - 2000 (front) / Newsletter Issue 1 - 2000 (back)
Projects
Health and Understanding Series
The Health and Understanding Series began on 5 December 2005 with a meeting of Melbourne based Children’s Authors. The original concept was to raise the profile of the Centre for Hormone Research by asking authors to write stories on the areas of research undertaken by the Centre.
Two of the original authors introduced us to Gary and Shelley Underwood from UC Publishing. They are a publishing/packaging company. They then bought onboard Blake Education as the publisher and distributor.
Health and Understanding has developed into a literacy-based series written for students in the last three years of primary school. This series provides teachers and students with the opportunity to explore a range of health topics that are involved in, and required for, a healthy lifestyle.
This series looks at our need for an active lifestyle, how health needs changed as people grow, how we can develop and build relationships with others, and the personal health choices students must make for themselves in order to enjoy good health.
Written by experienced children’s authors including Hazel Edwards, Goldie Alexander, Alan Horsfield and Wendy St Germain.
The role of the Centre for Hormone Research was to use the expertise of our staff, MCRI and RCH staff, to proof and correct draft manuscripts.
Obesity, diabetes, eating disorders, growth, development, active lifestyles, environmental health and mental health are just some of the areas of concern where teachers are actively seeking accurate, accessible information.
Titles in the series:
Student Books: 24
Teacher Guides: 3
Big Books: 3
The Series is available through the Blake Education website
Support Us
We are funded by highly competitive research grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia and other national and international bodies. Innovative, high-risk research projects are generally not funded adequately by these grants.
You can assist by volunteering time and services, participating in our fundraising and public awareness events, donating or raising funds for specific projects or sponsoring a program, including research projects or specialist equipment.
Bequests
You may want to think of CHR in your will. Your help will support the Centre's work in preventing the long-term effects of disease in childhood. Your bequests will help children grow into healthy adolescents and adults. Contact us for more information on how your legacy can improve children's health in Australia.
Donations
Your donation to the CHR will directly help child health through our research into Juvenile Diabetes, Growth Disorders, Healthy Bones, Obesity and Abnormal Genital/Pubertal Development. Contact us for more information on how you can make a difference. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Sponsorship Programs
The Centre is keen to explore novel ideas and possible new therapies. Key areas of opportunity, which cannot be pursued without additional funding, are:
Prevent Brain Damage in Diabetic Children
Needed: Clinical Research Fellow @ $80,000 per year for two years
Avoid the Heartbreak of Babies Born with Uncertain Gender
Needed: DNA chips for screening/diagnosis @ $80,000
Limit Bone Loss in Children
Needed: Research Fellow @ $80,000 per year for 3 years
Reduce Negative Lifestyle Practices in Diabetic Adolescents
Needed: Research Fellow @ $80,000 per year for 3 years.
Understand dietary fat effects on insulin action
Needed: Research Costs $80,000 per year, Research Assistant $50,000 per year
Would you like to know more?
Events
Movie Night - Animal Kingdom
Tuesday 1 June 2010
Rivoli Cinema
6.30pm light refreshments, movie starts promptly at 7pm
Ticket price $25
Winner of the 2010 Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Animal Kingdom is a powerful psychological crime drama set in Melbourne.
Starring Ben Mendelsohn, Joel Edgerton, Guy Pearce, Jacki Weaver and introducing James Frencheville.
All proceeds from this event will support the Aitken Fellowship in Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, within The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes. more details.
To purchase tickets please contact: Lee-Ann Jones, Administrative Assistant, Centre for Hormone Research, Early Development and Disease Theme or ext 7057.
Contact Us
Director, Centre for Hormone Research
Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Director, Endocrinology and Diabetes
Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes
Royal Children's Hospital
Flemington Rd Parkville
Victoria 3052 Australia
T +61 3 9345 5952
F +61 3 9347 7763
Lee-Ann Jones
Administrative Assistant
Centre for Hormone Research
Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Flemington Road
Parkville
Victoria 3052 Australia
T +61 3 9345 7057
F +61 3 9347 7763
The Centre for Hormone Research is grateful for the support offered by:



