At Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) we are driven by a singular purpose – to give all children the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilled life. In the 2025 MCRI Annual Report, you will read about how we strive to achieve just that.

In this issue, you will discover remarkable stories of child health research and impact that reflect MCRI’s enduring commitment in responding to today’s challenges, while preparing for the health complexities our children will face tomorrow.

Highlights from our 2025 Annual Report

• A breakthrough in diagnosing serious genetic conditions at birth and then providing ultra-rapid treatments
• Collaborating with 13 countries across Asia and the Pacific to eradicate common, preventable childhood diseases and develop new vaccines
• Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, our neuroscientists and imaging experts developed an ‘AI detective’ to identify and treat the source of epileptic seizures in patients
• A landmark $50 million licensing partnership with Retro Biosciences to advance our world-first breakthrough in producing patient-specific bone marrow stem cells.

Featured on the cover is nine‑year‑old Kate (pictured above), who has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – a genetic heart condition that is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young people. Kate had open-heart surgery at three years old and celebrates her ‘heart anniversary’ by raising awareness of genetic heart conditions. New research, led by MCRI, offers hope for new treatments to patients like Kate.

You will also read about two-year-old Giselle, who was diagnosed with a life-threatening genetic disease at birth through an Australian-first trial led by MCRI. Her rapid diagnosis gave Giselle access to a life-saving bone marrow transplant, turning an anxious and uncertain start to life into one filled with hope and joy.

In 2025, we maintained our decade long record of high impact research publications, with collaborations in over 120 countries to advance child health worldwide.

Achievements like these are only possible because of the generosity and belief of our supporters, whose contribution creates meaningful change for children and families here and around the world.

Read our 2025 Annual Report.