Murdoch Children’s Research Institute’s (MCRI) Dr Courtney Munro has received the Laurie Cox Leadership Award for her research on adolescent menstrual and pelvic pain.

The award, which honours the legacy of former MCRI Chair Laurie Cox AO, recognises early career researchers who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to improving child health.

As project lead for the Longitudinal Study of Teenagers with Endometriosis, Period and Pelvic Pain (LongSTEPPP) Australia’s largest adolescent menstrual pain study, Dr Munro oversees research across 13 clinical sites. This national cohort study identifies pain trajectories and predictors, with the potential to transform care for adolescents experiencing pelvic pain.

MCRI Health Services and Economics Group senior research officer Dr Munro said most young people who had periods experienced some pain.

“This may be manageable and not change normal day-to-day activities for some,” she said. “However, for others the pain could stop them from doing everyday activities and impact their quality of life and mental health.”

LongSTEPPP, funded by the Federal Government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), found there was a lack of menstrual health awareness in adolescents and that almost a third were prescribed medication to manage their periods.

Image: MCRI Population Health senior research officer Dr Courtney Munro.

Dr Munro said receiving the Laurie Cox Leadership Award was an honour. “It will help me strengthen global collaborations and accelerate research that improves the lives of adolescents living with menstrual and pelvic pain,” she said.

Dr Munro's leadership extends beyond research coordination. She has mentored 12 students and junior researchers, fostered interdisciplinary collaborations and contributed to international networks, including the World Endometriosis Society and Oxford’s Primary Care Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Research and Learning Network.

Established by a group of MCRI donors in 2025, the award will fund a strategic collaboration visit to the University of Oxford in England later this year.

“The opportunity for international technical exchange, leadership development and the creation of pathways for joint research initiatives is invaluable,” Dr Munro said.

Read more about Dr Munro’s research and the inaugural Laurie Cox Leadership Award winner.