Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) is Australia's largest child health research institute, ranked among the top three globally for research quality and impact*.
Our team of over 1,800 researchers works across over 150 common and rare diseases and conditions affecting children. From allergies and asthma to cancer and rare genetic disorders, we are relentless in our pursuit to improve the lives of all children.
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 foundational work in genetics, pioneering discoveries in stem cell medicine and ambitious population health studies are changing what’s possible for children and families in Australia and around the world.
Operating in a unique model with The Royal Children’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute is part of a great circle of healthcare and discovery – helping transform child health from the labs to clinics and out into communities.
* Clarivate Performance analysis and MCRI benchmarking report, November 2023
What is MCRI?
DJ asks our Director, Professor Kathryn North AC about how MCRI is focused on giving all children the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilled life.
DJ asks our Director, Professor Kathryn North AC about how MCRI is focused on giving all children the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilled life.
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.
Image of Professor David Danks and Dame Elisabeth Murdoch.
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.
Image of Professor David Danks and Dame Elisabeth...
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.
Image of Professor David Danks and Dame Elisabeth Murdoch.
Our research
Research areas
We organise ourselves into five specialist research areas to ensure our discoveries are transformed into better health outcomes for all children and their families.
Read about our research areasDiscovery and impact
Children in Australia and across the globe are benefitting from the ground-breaking research and child health discoveries taking place at MCRI.
Read about our discoveries and impactA-Z of child and adolescent health
Our expertise spans the A-Z of common and rare diseases and conditions affecting children including mental health, allergies, autism, concussion, heart disease, kidney disease, brain injuries, genetic disorders and infectious diseases.
Learn more about child health conditionsOpportunities
Philanthropy
Be a part of the future of innovative medical research to make a real difference in the lives of children.
Read about PhilanthropyInnovation
Together with our global network of partners, we can assist you in taking child health-related discoveries to a whole new level
Read about InnovationCareers
Work with brilliant minds to create a positive impact on children’s health, worldwide.
Explore our careersStudents
Students at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute receive expert mentoring on research projects from laboratory, and clinical to public health research.
Read about our studentsWe are a registered charity
Donations to Murdoch Children’s Research Institute help us accelerate the breakthroughs that will give all children the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilled life.