Murdoch Children's Research Institute is the largest child health research institute in Australia and in the top three child health research institutes worldwide for research quality and impact*.
Our team of more than 1,400 talented researchers is dedicated to making discoveries to prevent and treat childhood conditions. Many of our 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 marks its 35th anniversary in 2021. Our story began in 1986 when paediatrician Professor David Danks established the original Murdoch Institute with the unparalleled generosity and support of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch.
Murdoch Children’s research improves the lives of millions of kids each year. We 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.
We 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.
Our work goes beyond research. We 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. We also conduct national newborn screening and allow children to access personalised treatments for conditions like cancer.
* 'Murdoch Children’s Performance analysis and benchmarking report' (Clarivate, August 2020).
Our story
Find out how a Professor's 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.
Find out how a Professor's 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.
Our research
Research areas
With over 1,400 researchers and staff, their expertise spans the A to Z of common and rare diseases and conditions affecting children – for example mental health, allergies, autism, concussion, heart disease, kidney disease, brain injuries, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
Read about our research areas
Discovery and impact
Since 1986 Murdoch Children's has developed an international reputation for making profound advancement in child health, diagnosis, treatments and technologies that have helped children to live healthier, longer lives. Check out more of our discoveries and innovations.
Read about our discoveries and impactResearch focus
Murdoch Children’s is focusing on six priority areas aimed at leveraging the Institute's multidisciplinary research excellence. Explore our strategic initiative areas below.
Strategic initiatives
Genomics and personalised medicine
Using genomics to support more accurate diagnosis and prognosis.
Stem cell medicine
Our world-class research program with a vision to prepare Australia for the delivery of human stem cell-based products and clinical practices.
Clinical translation
Our strategic focus is to transform research into prevention, early intervention, better treatment, advance health policy and practice, and improve health and well-being for all children.
Computational biology
Our data scientists, researchers, mathematicians, engineers, and clinical geneticists are pioneering advanced methods to improve health outcomes for children with rare or common diseases.
Opportunities
Find out how you can play a role in the discoveries and innovation of tomorrow, making major advances in child health possible.
Philanthropy
Innovation
Careers
Students
We are a registered charity
Donations to Murdoch Children’s help us accelerate the breakthroughs that will give all children the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilled life.
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