Our story

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.

The formation of the Murdoch Institute crystallises a rich history of child and adolescent health research on the campus, dating back to 1936 when the first Medical Research Committee was formed within The Royal Children’s Hospital.

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 Children's Research Institute (MCRI), 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 MCRI.

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

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

MCRI welcomed Professor Kathryn North in 2013, as the Institute’s fourth Director. Professor North has strengthened MCRI's strategic direction, ensuring a focus on tangible and meaningful outcomes for children and further aligning our research with our campus partners, The Royal Children’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne’s Department of Paediatrics.

Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE

Until her passing in 2012, Dame Elisabeth was heavily involved in the oversight of MCRI as a generous philanthropist and esteemed patron. She influenced and inspired people from all walks of life - from politicians and business leaders to families and children - to discover the joy of giving and championed the importance of medical research. She had the foresight to recognise the importance of investing in and developing genetic research, even when this field was in its infancy.