annual report
annual report 2012
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contents
The development of new treatments and cures would not happen without medical research. Behind every discovery, improved treatment and new therapy are countless people who are involved in health research. Sixty years ago conditions like polio and small pox were the big health issues, yet now you hardly hear of them which is thanks to tremendous advances in medical research. Murdoch Childrens Research Institute is world renowned for its research into infant, child and adolescent health. Our world-class team of 1500 is dedicated to making discoveries to prevent and treat common and rare childhood conditions. We also collaborate with teams nationally and internationally to answer child health problems quickly and to make an even greater impact on the health of children around the world. Today the health of children is challenged by issues such as obesity, allergies, diabetes, cancer and mental health. As the largest child health research institute in Australia, Murdoch Childrens is well-positioned to make ground-breaking discoveries and translate them into treatments and cures to help ensure current and future generations of children are healthy. www.mcri.edu.au
who we are
2
research highlights
32
year at a glance
4
victorian clinical genetics services
38
honouring dame elisabeth murdoch
6
corporate & scientific services
40
chairman’s report
8
core groups 42
acting director’s report
10
financials
organisational chart
13
students 48
board of directors
14
awards & grants 50
executive & board committees
16
special events
52
corporate partners
56
research priority reports
44
•
allergy & autoimmune
18
donors
58
•
brain & mind
24
donor list
60
•
genetics
26
•
obesity
30
annual report 2012
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who we are
OUR VISION
To be a major global contributor to the creation of knowledge that leads to improved child health.
OUR MISSION
To obtain knowledge to improve the health of children in Victoria and globally.
OUR VALUES • • • •
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Excitement of discovery Innovation Teamwork Integrity
F
or more than 25 years, Murdoch Childrens has been making discoveries to improve child health. We conduct research into conditions affecting children, such as allergies, diabetes and obesity, as well as finding answers to unsolved problems, such as cancer and genetic conditions. With more than 1500 highly skilled researchers, we have the large teams needed to enable child health problems to be solved more rapidly, improving the health outcomes for children today and in the future.
over recent decades. We are studying the neurobiology, genetics and population-based epidemiology of adolescents to ensure future generations are happy and healthy.
childhood cancer from genetic and lifestyle factors, infections and environmental exposures, as well as looking at diagnostics and therapies, and the psychosocial aspects of living with cancer.
• allergy & autoimmune
• genetics
Prevalence rates for allergy and autoimmune conditions have risen dramatically in the last half century. We are striving to understand what has caused this dramatic increase and look at the environmental and genetic factors that modify the risk of developing these disorders.
Each year, eight million children are born with a serious birth defect of genetic origin. For more than half of these conditions, the genetic cause remains unknown. We study genetics to ensure future generations are healthy.
our work
• brain & mind
Researchers at the Institute conduct nationally and internationally recognised studies to help give doctors and parents the knowledge to improve the health and wellbeing of children. We are focused on addressing the big health issues affecting our kids.
We look at brain development and the brain’s ability to function after disease, injury and intensive care. We also focus on understanding and improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents.
• adolescents Many health problems such as mental disorders, chronic physical illness, substance abuse and eating disorders have become more prominent in adolescents
• obesity Australian kids are among the most overweight in the world. In Victoria alone, more than 220,000 children are overweight. We look at ways to combat the obesity epidemic and prevent the long-term health risks including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
• cancer Despite the fact that on average 80% of children with cancer can now expect to be cured, cancer remains the second most common cause of death in children under the age of 19. We are investigating many aspects of
While we have a focus on these areas, our size allows us to also address other common and rare childhood conditions, such as language disorders, heart disease, mitochondrial disease and cerebral palsy.
OUR CAMPUS PARTNERS
HOW WE SPEND DONOR FUNDS
Working side-by-side with the health professionals and academics at The Royal Children’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne’s Department of Paediatrics gives our researchers a unique “bench-to-bedside” opportunity, enabling us to more quickly translate research discoveries into practical treatments.
As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on the generosity of donors. As governments and other grant-making bodies tend to support established research, philanthropic and corporate funds are vital in providing the initial funding we need to bring bold and innovative research ideas to life. Many of our research projects that receive government funding were initially established with funding from private sources.
This integration has provided our researchers with much greater interaction with patients for research, clinical data and clinical expertise than is the case for most medical research institutes around the world.
For every dollar donated in 2012, we leveraged a further $6.60 from external sources. Every donation, no matter how small, has the potential to save lives.
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who we year at aare glance
Total income NHMRC grants awarded (for projects to commence in the following year)
$ 88.3 million $96.9 million $26.3 million $28.8 million
Peer-reviewed publications
632 610
Peer-reviewed publications in the world’s top medical journals (tier one and two)
171 153
Researchers, staff and students
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2011 2012
1512 1600
Donations, fundraising & bequests
$7.7 million $6 million
Campaign funds
$7.8 million $5.8 million
Media mentions
1163 2075
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Our research continued to deliver results to improve the health and wellbeing of children. Among the highlights: ● Professor Katie Allen and her team’s research was named “10 of the best” by the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in 2012. They have discovered a genetic link in allergies, various environmental drivers and have broken new ground on more accurate ways of identifying food allergies in children. Through this research, the true prevalence of child food allergies has been revealed. Katie was also awarded a Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) grant by NHMRC to establish a Centre of Research Excellence in Paediatric Food Allergy. The CRE will provide evidence-based guidelines that will inform public health policy and the clinical care of patients. ● In 2012, thanks to a major philanthropic grant from The Ian Potter Foundation, the Ian Potter
Centre for Genomics and Personalised Medicine was launched, which is a joint collaboration between Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. The Centre is an Australian first and aims to offer new insights into childhood and adult diseases. In particular, projects will use genomics to examine food allergy in children, juvenile arthritis, leukaemia and neural tumours, and colon cancer. Ultimately, this will deliver personalised therapies and improve patient outcomes. ● Our researchers found behavioural sleep techniques, such as “controlled crying” and “camping out” are effective and safe. The six-year study found the techniques provided a cost-effective way to help infants sleep better, reduce mothers’ depression levels, and were safe to use in the long term. ● Researchers from the Institute developed an innovative new test that has changed the way Fragile X syndrome is screened and
income Annual turnover increased to $96.9 million in 2012, up from $88.3 million in 2011, excluding campaign funds.
grants
diagnosed. The new technology, which is now being utilised, can be used as an early detection test for both male and females, leading to improved quality of life for thousands of patients and their families. Early identification and intervention improves outcomes for children with Fragile X syndrome but until now it has been difficult for doctors to diagnose the disorder until the age of three years or older. ● Adolescent health researchers, Professor George Patton and Professor Susan Sawyer wrote papers for a special series on adolescent health for the leading scientific journal, The Lancet, which highlighted the need to address the issue of adolescent health on a global scale. Their research showed that at least 70% of premature adult deaths reflect behaviours started or reinforced during adolescence and that the link between adolescent and adult health suggests that evidence-based investments in healthy adolescent development have enormous implications for future global health.
community. This enables key discoveries to be more quickly translated to ensure better outcomes for children. In 2012, we had 610 papers published, which included 153 in the world’s highest-ranking journals.
We had a successful year securing competitive government and other grants for a wide range of research projects. This included a record $28.8 million from the Federal Government’s National Health & Medical Research Council for new initiatives starting in 2013.
staff
international grants
fundraising
Murdoch Childrens received $2.5 million in grants from international funding bodies in 2012 to support research into rotavirus, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease.
Our team engaged with the community to raise money to provide the initial funding for our research, to get it to the point where larger grants can be attracted. In 2012, fundraising, donation and bequest income totalled $6 million and campaign funds totalled $5.8 million.
publications When our researchers make discoveries, their work is submitted to peer-reviewed scientific journals around the world for communication to the medical
There were 1600 paid staff, students and honoraries at the Institute in 2012. This number includes staff from The Royal Children’s Hospital and allied health professionals and University of Melbourne academics who conduct research within Murdoch Childrens.
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tribute honouring dame elisabeth
HONOURING DAME ELISABETH MURDOCH AC DBE
family are personally involved, including serving on the Board and Development Board.
The Institute finished the year reflecting on the life of our esteemed Patron, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE. Dame Elisabeth has been at the heart of Murdoch Childrens since its inception, and along with Professor David Danks, was integral to its establishment.
Dame Elisabeth chose helping others as her driving mission in life, supporting more than 100 charities ranging from medical research to the arts and academia.
As a founding member of the Institute in 1986, Dame Elisabeth’s unparalleled generosity has enabled Murdoch Childrens to improve the health and wellbeing of children all over the world. She had the foresight to recognise the importance of investing in and developing genetic research, even when this field was in its infancy. Dame Elisabeth was renowned and universally admired, known as a woman who cared for her community and she dedicated her life to helping others. In the process, 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. This is evident perhaps nowhere more so than within her own family, which, led by Dame Elisabeth and her son Rupert, has donated more than $50 million to Murdoch Childrens. Today four generations of her
“It has been rewarding and quite remarkable to see what a difference medical research has made to the lives of us all, but particularly children. I believe every child deserves the best possible start in life, and Murdoch Childrens does so much for the betterment of the health and happiness of our children.”
– Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE
She was associated with our campus partner, The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) for more than 70 years and, with her husband Sir Keith Murdoch, was a major supporter of the Good Friday Appeal, which now raises more than $15 million each year for the RCH and research at the Institute. Without Dame Elisabeth’s support and foresight, the Institute could not have grown to become one of the world’s leading child health research institutes, with more than 1,500 researchers working towards improving the health and wellbeing of children globally. She was proud of the many discoveries the Institute made, including those in the areas of genetics, cerebral palsy, cancer, rotavirus and premature birth. Thanks to her unwavering dedication and support, children will continue to benefit from life saving medical research, now and in the future.
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chairman’s report
In a year of considerable change for the Institute, I’m delighted to report that Murdoch Childrens continued to consolidate its reputation as the one of the leading medical research institutes in Australia. Our highlights included: • Another record year in securing competitive grant funding from the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC), with our researchers obtaining $28.8 million, up from $26.3 million 2011.
• Annual turnover increased from $88.3 million to $96.9 million.
After eight years, Professor Terry Dwyer stepped down as Director to take up a role with the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, based in Lyon, France. Terry’s many and significant achievements include the Institute doubling in size and income and becoming recognized globally for research output. On behalf of the Board and staff, we congratulate Terry on his contribution to the Institute’s success and wish him all the very best for the future. We were pleased to announce our new Director, Professor Kathryn North AM. Kathryn brings great leadership experience and an extensive international reputation for her research. She commenced in February 2013 and I’m sure will make a great contribution. Kathryn was previously the Head of the Institute for Neuroscience and Muscle Research at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Douglas Burrows Professor of Paediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney. The Institute was greatly saddened by the loss of our Patron, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE. Associated with our campus partner, The Royal Children’s Hospital, for more than 80 years, Dame Elisabeth and her family, with others, provided the vital seed funding that established the Murdoch Institute in 1986. Dame Elisabeth was immensely proud of the many discoveries the Institute made over the past 26 years and we are enormously indebted to her extraordinary legacy and inspiration. I warmly thank our donors and supporters. Their support for the Institute’s research programs and key priority areas is received with utmost appreciation and gratitude.
• The Institute had 610 scientific papers published, including 153 in the world’s highest ranking journals.
• Donors and supporters continued to give generously to our research with more than $11 million received.
My colleagues on the Board and sub-committees provide invaluable counsel and governance to the Institute. Departing the board in 2012 were Mr Anthony Beddison AO, and Mr Ahmed Fahour and I thank them for their contribution. In their place, we are pleased to welcome the Hon. Rob Knowles AO and Mr Steven Casper. I trust you will enjoy reading the the many highlights of the 2012 year in this report, and the uplifting stories of ways that the Institute continues to make a significant difference to the health of children in Australia and around the world. Leigh Clifford AO
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acting director’s report
E
very year researchers at the Institute investigate the biggest health issues facing our children and their families – both here in Australia and worldwide. In 2012, we aligned our research structure to represent where our priorities lie; with a strong focus on adolescents, neurodevelopment, mental health, allergies, cancer, genetics, obesity, personalised medicine and innovation. We also recruited new research groups to the Institute that could further increase our strengths in these priority areas.
BUILDING ON OUR CAPACITY I am pleased to report we have already seen a number of achievements made in the new groups that have recently joined the Institute. There were major developments in biostatistics and related quantitative disciplines, with the establishment of the Victorian Centre for Biostatistics, the recruitment of two research biostatisticians from overseas and the establishment of a group in
Sheena Reilly Acting Director
Statistical Genetics. These types of groups are becoming increasingly important in research as there is more complex, and large amounts of data to understand and translate. The central role of biostatistics and bioinformatics in modern medical research was highlighted by these groups’ involvement in eight successful National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Project Grants, on topics ranging from the clinical care of neonates to investigations of early child development and health inequality, to the development of methods for analysing complex high-dimensional genomic data.
adolescent health for top scientific journal, The Lancet, which highlighted the need to address the issue of adolescent health on a global scale. Both researchers said the 1.8 billion adolescents worldwide are now more exposed than previous generations to harmful alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, tobacco use and sexually transmitted infections, among other risks. George and Susan addressed the United Nations Commission in New York, in an effort to bring the issue into focus and stressed there needs to be goals set and effective preventative interventions based on academic evidence.
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
● We also continued our grant success, with more than $28 million awarded to the Institute in 2012. A key project included $3.1 million awarded to investigate disparities in cardiovascular and respiratory health. The team will explore early-life mechanisms underlying emerging patterns of social inequality and their potentiallyavoidable cost – evidence that is essential to develop new intervention strategies. We also received over $3.2 million funding from the Victorian State Government’s Operational Infrastructure Support scheme, administered through the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development.
Our researchers continued to make a wide range of important contributions to children’s health, many of which are featured in this report. Among the highlights were: ● Professor Katie Allen and her team have been examining combinations of genetic, epigenetic, immunological and environmental factors that contribute to food allergy. Their work has led to many practical outcomes, most notably, changes to the NHMRC Infant Feeding Guidelines for Health Workers. The team's research contributed to the recommendation that parents introduce egg into their child's diet between four and six months, not after 10 months as initially directed. Katie and her team were also awarded a NHMRC grant to establish a Centre of Research Excellence in Paediatric Food Allergy. The CRE, which is worth almost $2.5 million over five years, will provide evidence-based guidelines that will inform public health policy and the clinical care of patients. ● Adolescent health researchers, Professor George Patton and Professor Susan Sawyer wrote papers for a special series on
PROFESSOR TERRY DWYER AO In October, we farewelled Professor Terry Dwyer, who retired as Director of the Institute after almost eight years at the helm. Under his directorship, growth in funding from NHMRC rose from $5.23 million in 2004 to $28.8 million in 2012. Our publication output has also increased, with a significant rise in papers in the most important scientific journals. Under his leadership and guidance the Institute has gone from strength to strength, with staff increasing to 1600 and has become the largest child health institute in Australia.
LOOKING AHEAD
annual report 2012
In 2013, Murdoch Childrens will focus on building our strengths in bioinformatics, and genomics, which will be accessible thanks to the establishment of the Ian Potter Centre for Genomics and Personalised Medicine. We will also look to further enhance partnerships on campus, as well as externally with other medical research institutes.
People are always at the core of any successful organisation. I would like to thank our researchers and staff, board committees and our Ambassador, Sarah Murdoch, for their leadership, contribution and commitment to the Institute.
r PROFESSOR KATHRYN NORTH AM Professor Kathryn North was appointed as the Director of Murdoch Childrens, and joined the Institute in February 2013. Professor Kathryn North is trained as a paediatrician, a neurologist and a clinical geneticist, with a doctoral research degree in neurogenetics. Professor North is a translational research scientist who leads an extensive program of laboratory and clinical research and is widely recognised as a world leader in three major areas – neuromuscular disorders, neurofibromatosis and the study of genes that influence athletic performance. Professor North has made major innovations in the areas of gene discovery, improved diagnosis and prevention, understanding of disease mechanism and the development and evaluation of novel therapies through clinical trials. Her many distinguished career highlights include being named as the Human Genetics Society of Australasia Sutherland Lecturer for 2008 in recognition of her research in the area of human genetics. In 2011 she was awarded the GlaxoSmithKline Australia Award for Research Excellence and in 2012 she was awarded the Ramaciotti Medal for Excellence in Biomedical Research and was also appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), ‘for service to medicine in the field of neuromuscular and neurogenetics research, paediatrics and child health as a clinician and academic and to national and international professional associations’.
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Professor North is dedicated to finding successful therapies for children and adolescents with a range of disabling and potentially lethal disorders.
organisational chart The Royal Children’s Hospital Professor Christine Kilpatrick
University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics Professor Paul Monagle
murdoch childrens research institute Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Chairman Leigh Clifford
victorian clinical genetics services board Chair Professor Kathryn North
director Professor Kathryn North
Associate Director, Clinical & Public Health/Office of Research Professor Sheena Reilly
Research Groups
Theme Director, Cell Biology Development & Disease (CBDD) Professor John Bateman
Research Groups
Theme Director, Critical Care & Neuroscience (CCN) Professor Vicki Anderson
Research Groups
Theme Director, Population Health Genes & Environment (PHGE) Professor Katie Allen
Research Groups
Theme Director, Genetic Disorders (GD) Professor David Thorburn
Research Groups
Office of Research
Theme Director, Infection & Immunity (II) Professor Andy Giraud
Research Groups
Scientific Services
Clinical Research Development Office/ Australian Paediatric Pharmacology Research Unit
Core Groups
Affinity Groups
Quantitative Sciences
Associate Director Laboratory Sciences Professor Andrew Sinclair Victorian Clinical Genetics Services Director A/Professor David Amor General Manager, Finance & Operations Mr John Dakin
Strategy & Evaluation Dr MaryAnne Aitken
Public Relations & Development Mr Alex Furman
Human Resources Ms Michele Gellatly
Genetic Health Services Victoria
VCGS Pathology
Corporate Services
annual report 2012
Mr Leigh Clifford, AO, Chairman Non Executive Director from 2007, Chairman from December 2009 Chairman of Qantas Airways Ltd, Director of Bechtel Group Inc (USA), Chairman of Bechtel Australia Pty Ltd, Senior Advisor to Kholberg Kravis and Roberts and a Board Member of the National Gallery of Victoria Foundation.
b
Executive Chairman of The Burnham Group, Former Ernst & Young Partner. Chairman of the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute’s Audit, Finance and Risk Committee and Member of the Investment Committee.
Mr Martin J Armstrong Non-Executive Director from 1997 Principal of Plante & Henty, Chairman of Carnbrea Holdings Ltd, Director of The Jack Brockhoff Foundation and other public, private and non-profit organisations. Member of the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute’s Audit, Finance and Risk Committee and Commercialisation/IP Committee.
Mr Anthony J Beddison, AO Non-Executive Director from 2004 – December 2012 Chairman, The Royal Children’s Hospital and the Beddison Group of Companies.
board of directors
Professor Terry Dwyer, AO Executive Director from 2004 – October 2012 International Scientific Advisory Board for UK BioBank, Board member of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Chairman of the Victorian Clinical Genetics Services Board.
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Mr Ian Miller, Deputy Chairman Non Executive Director from 2007, Deputy Chairman from February 2010
Mr Ahmed Fahour Non-Executive Director from 2011 to September 2012 Managing Director and CEO of Australia Post, Chairman of the Rip Curl Group, and a Director of AUX Investments.
Professor Christine Kilpatrick Non-Executive Director from 2008 Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Children’s Hospital.
The Hon Rob Knowles, AO Non-Executive Director from December 2012 Chairman of The Royal Children’s Hospital.
Mrs Suzi Carp Non-Executive Director from 2006
Mr Steven Casper Non-Executive Director from February 2013
Mr James Craig Non-Executive Director from 2009
Dr Charles Day Non-Executive Director from 2011
Director of River Capital, Chair of Pilotlight Australia and Director of the Young and Well CRC.
Partner, DLA Piper and Chairman of the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute’s Development Board. Co-Chair of the Jewish National Fund (Victoria Division).
Chairman of Macquarie Capital Advisers and Director of other public and non profit organisations. Chairman of the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute’s Investment Committee.
Project Director at the University of Melbourne, Director of Bionic Vision Technologies and the Oral Health CRC. Member of the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute’s Commercialisation/IP Committee.
Professor Paul Monagle Non-Executive Director from 2008.
Professor Kathryn North, AM Executive Director from February 2013
Mrs Judy Paterson Non-Executive Director from 1996
Stevenson Chair of Paediatrics and Assistant Dean, Royal Children’s Hospital Academic Centre, The University of Melbourne.
Director, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute. David Danks Professor of Child Health Research, University of Melbourne. Chair, NHMRC Research Committee. Member, NHMRC Council. Chair of the Victorian Clinical Genetics Services Board.
Mr Jason Yeap, OAM Non-Executive Director from 2011 Chairman of Mering Corporation Pty Ltd and Herbaceutic Holdings Ltd, China, Trustee of the NGV, Chairman of NGV Foundation.
Mrs Janet Calvert-Jones, AO Non-Executive Director from 1986 Former Chairman of Herald and Weekly Times Limited, Chairman of Tapestry Foundation of Australia.
Director of Ace Radio Broadcasters. NonExecutive Director of the Victorian Clinical Genetics Services.
executive committee annual report 2012
Professor
Professor
Professor
Professor
Terry Dwyer, AO
Sheena Reilly
Katie Allen
John Bateman
Director
Acting Director (from
Population Health, Genes &
Cell Biology, Development
(to October 2012)
October 2012 to January
Environment
& Disease
2013) Associate Director Clinical & Public Health
b
Professor
Professor
Professor
Professor
Kathryn North, AM
Andrew Sinclair
Vicki Anderson
Andy Choo
Director
Associate Director
Critical Care &
Genetic Disorders
(from February 2013)
Laboratory Services
Neuroscience
(to June 2012)
board committees Audit, Finance & Risk Committee
Commercialisation & IP Committee
Development Board
Reviews the Institute’s financial reporting and risk management framework.
Advises the Board on business development opportunities for biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries and on related issues including patent protection.
Provides advice on fundraising, marketing and communications activities to engage donors and supporters.
• Chairman, Mr Ian Miller • Mr Martin Armstrong • Mr David Gillespie
Invited to attend • Mr Viren Abeyasinghe • Mr Brent Dankesreither (to 08/12) • Professor Terry Dwyer AO (to 10/12) • Ms Lisa Keam (from 07/12 to 03/13) • Professor Kathryn North AM (from 02/13)
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Chairman, Mr Bruce Grey Mr Martin Armstrong Mr Brent Dankesreither (to 08/12) Dr Charles Day Professor Terry Dwyer AO (to 10/12) Ms Lisa Keam (from 07/12 to 03/13) Dr David Lester (from 07/12) Ms Sue Michelmore Professor Kathryn North AM (from 02/13) Dr Andrew O’Brien (from 07/12) Mr George Raitt Professor Sheena Reilly (from 07/12) A/Professor Howard Slater Professor George Werther
Invited to attend
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• Ms Michelle Baker • Dr James Dromey (from 08/12)
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Chairman, Mr Steven Casper Mrs Ariane Barker Ms Lisa Bond Mr Anthony Coops Mr Andrew Cox Mr Tony Davies (to 12/12) Ms Susannah Fairley Mr Alex Furman Mrs Tanya Hamersfeld Mr Clark Kirby Ms Marisa Leone Mr Peter Mastos Mrs Kate Mohr Mrs Sarah Murdoch Mr Adrian Redlich Ms Emma Rosenberg (to 12/12) Mrs Dahlia Sable
Professor Andy Giraud
Invited to attend:
Infection & Immunity
A/Professor
Mr Alex Furman
David Amor
Head of PR &
Director VCGS
Development
Professor
Dr Maryanne Aitken
Ms Michele Gellatly
Dr Leanne Mills
David Thorburn
Head, Office of Research
Head of Human Resources
Head of Office
Genetic Disorders
of the Director
(from July 2012)
(from February 2013)
Investment Committee
Advises on the financial investments of the Institute.
• Chairman, Mr James Craig • Mr Viren Abeyasinghe • Mrs Ariane Barker • Mr Brent Dankesreither (to 08/12) • Professor Terry Dwyer AO (to 10/12) • Mr Ben James • Ms Lisa Keam (from 09/12 to 03/13) • Mr Dominic Leary Director (to 02/13) • Mr Paul Martin • Mr Ian Miller • Mr John Nickson • Professor Kathryn North AM (from 02/13)
Remuneration Committee • Mr Leigh Clifford AO, Chairman • Mr Martin Armstrong • Mr Ian Miller
Victorian Clinical Genetics Services Board (VCGS)
Oversees the activities of VCGS, an incorporated subsidiary of Murdoch Childrens. • • • • • • • • •
Chair, Professor Kathryn North AM (from 02/13) Mr Brent Dankesreither (to 08/12) Professor Terry Dwyer AO (to 10/12) Mr David Gillespie Professor Stephen Holdsworth Ms Lisa Keam (from 07/12 to 03/13) A/Professor Andrew Kornberg (to 04/12) Professor Finlay Macrae Mrs Judy Paterson
Invited to Attend • •
Professor David Amor (VCGS Director) Mr Stephen Dyt (VCGS Company Secretary to 02/13)
annual report 2012
RESEARCH PRIORITY
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allergy & autoimmune
TEST WILL IMPROVE PEANUT ALLERGY DIAGNOSIS
TUBERCULOSIS RESEARCH
Our team, with researchers from Murdoch Childrens and the University of Melbourne, identified a new way to accurately test for peanut allergy that is safer, more cost effective and convenient. Currently, an oral food challenge is the standard for diagnosing peanut allergy, and while an oral food challenge is definitive in diagnosing patients, it’s time-consuming, costly and risks a severe reaction in patients, such as anaphylaxis.
In 2012, researcher A/Professor Steve Graham from the Institute contributed to a report published in The Lancet which provided an update on global tuberculosis (TB) control and identified future challenges. One major issue highlighted by researchers was the emergence of drug-resistant TB, which they said is driven by inappropriate treatments. In response, researchers called for internationally recognised guidelines for management, enforcement of prescription only TB drugs and promotion of education for the correct use of TB drugs.
The new test researchers identified uses part of the peanut protein called ‘Arah2’ and involves a two-step screening process. Researchers found they could perform a blood test, followed by the Arah2 test, which was more accurate and highly predictive than using one of the tests alone. They found the two-step testing process reduced the need for oral food challenges four-fold. “By reducing the number of oral food challenges, this helps prevent many peanut allergics undertaking the unnecessary risks involved with an oral food challenge,” said lead researcher Professor Katie Allen. “Due to the rapid increase in rates of sensitisation to foods, allergy services are overwhelmed, and food challenge tests might be difficult to access. This method would also help alleviate the current strain and demand on clinical allergy services, with the allergy patient waiting times in excess of 18 months in many centres in Australia.” Researchers said the ‘Arah2’ two-step process can be used in children with high risk of food allergy, such as those with eczema and other food allergies and for those who haven’t eaten peanuts but have a strong family history of food allergy. ■
It is estimated that 10–20% of all TB cases are in children, 500,000 children develop TB annually, resulting in around 70,000 deaths worldwide. However, the real burden is unknown. Central and critical to more accurate epidemiological data, as well as improved management of child TB, is the need for better diagnostics. “More accurate testing would not only improve the clinical management of children, it would also provide a more accurate determination of the global disease burden of tuberculosis in children, as well as improve clinical research for the prevention and treatment of paediatric tuberculosis,” Steve said. “However progress in developing better diagnostics has been slow. There is an urgent need for a rapid, reliable, and affordable diagnostic test for tuberculosis. It is also critical that new tests be properly validated in children of all ages, as well as in adults. The consequences of undiagnosed, untreated tuberculosis in young children are substantial.” ■
annual report 2012
RESEARCH PRIORITY
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allergy & autoimmune
SIBLINGS AND PETS MAY REDUCE LIKELIHOOD OF EGG ALLERGY IN INFANTS Researchers published a study which found having a dog that lives in the home and older siblings could reduce the likelihood of egg allergies in infants. The study of over 5000 infants investigated the role a wide range of environmental and demographic factors has on the development of egg allergy. This included number of older siblings, contact with other children during childcare, exposure to pets, caesarean delivery, infant diet, parents’ country of birth, family history of allergy and the use of antibiotics in infancy. The study found that infants with siblings, particularly young siblings, and infants with a pet dog inside the home, are less likely to be allergic to egg at one year of age. In the study, 10.8% of infants with no siblings were allergic to egg, however as the number of siblings increased, the incidence of egg allergy decreased; the rate of egg allergies in infants who had three or more siblings was only 3.7%. Among infants with one or more siblings, those with siblings under the age of six years old were less likely to have egg allergy compared to those with siblings six years or above. Researchers also found a link to dog ownership, with the rate of egg allergies in infants who had no dogs at 10.2%, while among those who had a dog which was allowed inside the house, the rate of allergies dropped to 5.9%. Lead researcher, Dr Jennifer Koplin said the findings provide further support for a role of the hygiene hypothesis, in combination with genetic factors, in the development of allergies. The study, which was published in the journal, Allergy, also found the strongest risk factor for egg allergy was having one or more parents born in East Asia. Interestingly, parents born in East Asia were less likely to report a history of allergies themselves, while their infants were at an increased risk of egg allergy and eczema. ■
SUNLIGHT LINK TO FOOD ALLERGY Our researchers found levels of sunshine may play a role in children developing food allergy and eczema. The study, which was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, looked at data from over 7600 Australian children and how rates of food allergy, eczema and asthma varied from the north, (Queensland), central (New South Wales) and south (Victoria and Tasmania) of the country. The study found in the four to five-year-old age group, the children residing in the southern parts of Australia were more likely to have both food allergy and eczema. In the eight to nine-year-old age group, the odds of having a peanut allergy were six times greater and the odds of having eczema were twice as great in the southernmost children, compared with those living in the north. Lead researcher, Professor Katie Allen, said the study adds weight to the hypothesis that sunlight might play a role in the increasing prevalence of food allergy and eczema. ■
INVESTIGATING A POTENTIAL ALLERGY VACCINE Researchers were awarded over $1.1 million from the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to determine if BCG immunisation at birth, compared with no BCG, immunisation prevents allergy in children. Although primarily considered an immunisation to protect against tuberculosis, BCG has powerful non-specific and potentially beneficial effects on cell-mediated immunity, which researchers believe could help prevent allergies in children. As a result of the declining prevalence of tuberculosis, the routine administration of BCG to newborn infants was stopped in Australia and a number of other industrialised countries in the mid 1980s, notably coincident, but not yet causally verified, to the subsequent increase in allergic disease in children. If reintroducing the BCG vaccine into the routine Australian immunisation programme is found to be effective, it would lead to a reduction in allergic disorders in the population and would result in a significant increase in quality of life for children and their families. ■
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autoimmune feature
childhood arthritis finding surprises researchers In 2012, researchers discovered that childhood arthritis is not simply ‘little person’s arthritis’ and that the cartilage damage that occurs in children with the condition is distinctly different to the damage that occurs in adults.
erosion. The development of new treatments for limiting cartilage erosion in JIA is hampered by the lack of information on the mechanisms involved in joint destruction; studies on cartilage erosion to date have focussed exclusively on adult cartilage.
Researchers from the Institute and the University of Melbourne analysed synovial fluid samples from children and adults with arthritis and looked at the patterns of cartilage degradation. They were surprised to find the breakdown in cartilage that happens during juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is markedly different to adult arthritis.
Presently there are drugs in development for the prevention of cartilage erosion in adult arthritis.
Whilst they found that several of the degradation products were the same as in adult arthritis, the key signature fragment was absent in JIA. The unexpected finding suggests that there are different causes in JIA compared with adult rheumatoid arthritis, which means JIA is not just the child version of rheumatoid arthritis.
“We were really surprised to find that the pattern of cartilage degradation products in JIA was different to the pattern in adults. We need to understand more about the mechanisms driving cartilage erosion in patients with juvenile arthritis because the cartilagesparing drugs currently in development for adult therapies might not be useful for preventing cartilage erosion in children.”
JIA is a chronic disease characterised by persistent inflammation that, if unresolved, can lead to joint destruction and permanent disability. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most commonly diagnosed rheumatic disease in children, with prevalence ranging between 1-4 per 1,000 children. The current treatments for JIA are designed to manage pain and inflammation within the joint, however there are no treatments to manage or prevent cartilage
MEET THE RESEARCHER: AMANDA FOSANG A/Professor Amanda Fosang always had a love for nature, plants, animals and all things science. It was for this reason she wanted to become a researcher and was motivated to do arthritis research by her mother, who suffered with the condition. “My mum had rheumatoid arthritis for most of her adult life. It robbed her of so much. In those days - the
Lead researcher, A/Professor Amanda Fosang said the study has clinical implications, as current treatments for cartilage erosion which are in trial, may not be suitable for children.
Amanda said her team will now focus on trying to understand how and why the fragmentation pattern in kids is different to adults. The paper was published in Arthritis and Rheumatism and was done in collaboration with paediatric rheumatologists, Dr Roger Allen and Dr Jonathan Akikusa from The Royal Children’s Hospital and researchers from Lund University in Sweden. ■
medications were almost as harmful to the patient as the disease. These days, rheumatoid arthritis patients have much better medications and they tend not to progress to the severe joint deformity stage that my poor mum had,” Amanda said. Amanda’s research has been focused on understanding the complex cell-matrix interactions that lead to arthritis. She names her research finding in 2005, which identified the enzyme responsible for destroying cartilage
in the joints of arthritis, as a career highlight. The enzyme, called ADAMTS5, was found to degrade aggrecan, which gives cartilage in healthy joints the ability to bear loads and resist compression. This work, which was published in Nature, is named amongst the top discoveries made by researchers at the Institute over its 26-year history. The work that has followed this discovery seeks to identify new targets for arthritis therapies, for both children and adults. ■
annual report 2012
RESEARCH PRIORITY
brain & mind
CHILDREN’S BRAIN INJURIES DO NOT GET WORSE OVER TIME Contrary to a long held clinical view that a child’s development after a traumatic brain injury gets worse over time, a study by the Institute found after an extended recovery period, children gradually stabilised and began to make developmental gains, regardless of injury severity. The study, which is published in Paediatrics, was the first to systematically follow children from the time of their traumatic brain injury (TBI) to ten years post injury. It showed that severe injury is associated with poorest outcome, but after three years, the gap between children with severe TBI and peers stabilises.
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Researchers found in the initial period after their brain injury, while the brain copes with the impact of injury and begins to recover – usually about three
years - the children didn’t make any developmental gains, however after this period they started to make age-appropriate developmental gains, right up until at least 10 years post insult. “The study questions this speculation that children ‘grow into deficits’ with time since injury. Rather, it appears that, after a prolonged recovery period, these children gradually stabilise and begin to make some developmental gains, suggesting that even many years post insult, intervention may be effective and helpful,” said lead researcher, Professor Vicki Anderson. ■
ADOLESCENTS MOST AT RISK OF BRAIN DAMAGE FROM LONG TERM, HEAVY CANNABIS USE Our team, in collaboration with the University of Melbourne and University of Wollongong found long term, heavy cannabis use is harmful to the developing brain. The study, which was published in the leading neurology journal, Brain, found individuals who were heavy cannabis users, who had used for a long period of time, had significant changes in their brains – specifically the areas of brain which connected regions involved in memory function. Importantly, it also found that the age at which regular cannabis use first began was a key factor in determining the severity of any deterioration in the brain. This study showed the younger you were when you started, the worse the outcome. Those who started in early adolescence suffered the greatest abnormalities, and experienced greatest cognitive impairment. Lead researcher, Dr Marc Seal, said their findings indicate that that there are critical periods of brain development and ages at which the brain is more vulnerable to damage from regular cannabis use. In the study, the most common age which people started using cannabis was 16 years old, and most had been smoking for about 15 years. ■
BRAIN ‘MARKERS’ KEY TO IDENTIFYING SPEECH PROBLEMS AFTER INJURY In a world first, researchers from the Institute identified prognostic markers in a child’s brain, which they say can accurately predict their speech outcome following a brain injury. These neurological predictors could help doctors to identify early who may need intensive speech therapy following a severe brain injury. In a novel approach, researchers examined brain structure and function using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on children at least a year post injury. The study of brain structure revealed that the corticobulbar tract in the left hemisphere of the brain was crucial for good speech outcome. The study of brain function found that children with increased activation in ‘Broca’s’ area, had better speech outcomes. Broca’s area has been known to be a key speech and language region for over 100 years but it has not been associated with the particular speech deficits noted in this population before. It is currently hard to predict speech outcome after a traumatic brain injury, and prior to this study there has
been no prognostic markers for predicting who may experience chronic impairment. Furthermore, brain imaging has never been used before to identify those at risk of persisting speech problems. Lead researcher, Dr Angela Morgan said the study highlights the importance of brain imaging techniques for providing an accurate prognosis of speech deficits. “These two areas offer a promising prognostic tool for children with acquired, developmental, or degenerative neurologic conditions likely to affect speech. These predictors could help with early intervention and improve outcomes for the thousands of children who experience brain injuries in Australia every year.” ■
SLEEP PROBLEMS IN SCHOOL KIDS AFFECTING THEIR MENTAL HEALTH Our researchers found that up to 40% of children have a sleep problem within the first six months of starting primary school, which is affecting their own and their parent’s mental health. The study, which involved 22 primary schools and over 1500 students, showed 27.9% had a mild sleeping problem and 10.8% had a moderate or severe sleeping problem. Lead researcher, Dr Jon Quach said the findings strongly suggest that the impact of child sleep problems is not limited to sleep. “We found sleep problems were associated with markedly worse child mental health and parent depression, anxiety and stress. This association with poorer child and parent mental health may hinder the child’s ability to make a successful transition to school.” The next step for researchers is to address these issues in the hope of improving sleep for children in the first year of school, which they hope will also have an impact on their mental health. Some strategies researchers are now trialling involve child sleep hygiene, such as bedtime routine, media use and caffeine consumption, setting strict bedtimes, and teaching the child to fall asleep without having a television on or the parent always having to be in the bedroom. ■
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RESEARCH PRIORITY
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genetics
INNOVATIVE TEST COULD REVOLUTIONISE FRAGILE X SCREENING AND DIAGNOSIS
PATIENTS WITH SERIOUS GENETIC CONDITIONS GIVEN FRESH HOPE OF DIAGNOSIS
Our researchers developed an innovative new test for Fragile X syndrome, which could revolutionise the way the condition is screened and diagnosed.
Patients with serious and potentially fatal genetic conditions have been given new hope of receiving a diagnosis after researchers at the Institute, in collaboration with the Broad Institute of Harvard & MIT successfully trialled next generation sequencing technology.
Fragile X syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by a faulty switch of an important gene called FMR1 which is located on the X chromosome. Fragile X syndrome is associated with a range of developmental, physical and behavioural problems and is the most common known cause of inherited developmental disability worldwide. The test uses a DNA region that was previously thought to have no function. Researchers believe the new technology could be used as an early detection test for both male and females, and could be included in newborn screening tests, leading to improved quality of life for thousands of patients and their families. Early identification and intervention improves outcomes for children with Fragile X syndrome but until now it has been difficult for doctors to diagnose the disorder until the age of three years or older. In a world-first, the researchers showed that the new test can detect both the type and severity of symptoms in Fragile X syndrome with unparalleled accuracy in DNA samples from 154 females, with 18 of these having the ‘faulty switch’ in the FMR1 gene. Lead researcher, Dr David Godler, said that in the study the test was shown to be superior to others available in predicting developmental disability particularly in females and that the discovery could pave the way for a simple, accurate and inexpensive test for Fragile X syndrome that could be used for population screening. The novel test was developed in collaboration with Dr Danuta Loesch from the School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University. ■
Mitochondrial disease is a serious genetic condition that affects the way the body coverts food into energy. There are over 100 types of mitochondrial disease, and about one child born every week in Australia will develop a severe mitochondrial disorder in their lifetime; about half of them will die in childhood. Mitochondrial disorders are notoriously difficult to diagnose due to the multitude of genes and the highly variable symptoms across various organs. The current diagnostic process is an extremely invasive and expensive process for patients and often doesn’t result in a definitive diagnosis. While the next generation sequencing technology has proven successful in uncovering novel disease genes in a research setting, researchers wanted to see whether it could also play a functional role in diagnostics in a clinical setting. Researchers looked at 42 patients with mitochondrial disorders and sequenced the DNA of the mitochondrial genome, the 100 genes previously linked to mitochondrial disease and over 1000 additional genes that are known to play a role in mitochondrial biology. The study, which was published in Science Translational Medicine, found that using the technology 25% of cases were immediately diagnosed; and a further 25% of cases will be able to be diagnosed in the next few years as more genes are formally linked to disease. Lead researcher, Professor David Thorburn said the rate of diagnosis was likely to significantly increase in the future and the technology will greatly improve their ability to diagnose some of the most complicated genetic disorders. ■
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Twins Marcos and Gabriel, and top right, with mum Zaina Nehme.
Photo Š Newspix
environment in the womb may have more effect on health than dna Identical twins, Marcos and Gabriel are like any other five year old boys; they have just started school, love playing outside, riding on their bikes and playing board games. The only difference is, as identical twins, Marcos and Gabriel are helping researchers at the Institute discover what role genes and environment play in your overall health. The research, which is led by Drs Richard Saffery and Jeff Craig, is studying epigenetic differences within twin pairs, and researchers are particularly interested in how the environment in the womb affects how babies' genes act and whether their genes 'remember' this experience later in life. The research aims to discover how individuals with identical genes can develop differences in health, appearance and personality. It has the potential to identify and track disease risk early in life, or even to modify risk through specific environment or dietary intervention. In 2012, groundbreaking research by the team showed unequivocally for the first time that the environment experienced in the womb may have a greater effect on our future health than previously thought - and more of an effect than our DNA and the health and lifestyle of mothers while pregnant. Researchers studied 22 identical twin pairs and 12 non-identical twin pairs and mapped their epigenetic markers - which are 'above' the genes and tell the genes to switch on and off. By comparing the level of epigenetic differences in identical twins versus non-identical twins, researchers were able to estimate the contributions of both genes and environment in the womb to the newborn epigenetic profile. "This study demonstrated that the unique environment in the womb plays a critical role in setting up this epigenetic profile. This must be due to
events that happened to one twin and not the other whilst in the womb and shows that the experiences in the womb are important in defining the epigenetic profile we are born with," Jeff said. Researchers say these ideas are further supported by their finding that birth weight differences within pairs of twins are related to epigenetic differences, especially in genes that may be linked with predisposition to diseases previously associated with low birth weight. For Marcos and Gabriel’s mother, Zaina Nehme, it came as a surprise that there were so many differences between her two boys. “In their first couple of years these differences were a surprise to me. I was under the impression that because identical twins have the same genetic composition it is a given that both would suffer from the same health conditions,” she said. Zaina said there are lots of differences between Marcos and Gabriel – especially when it comes to their health. “I would say that the biggest is in terms of allergies, in particular asthma. It is very common for Gabriel to develop asthma as a result of a viral respiratory infection or bad cold. Gabriel can also get hives on his skin.” When Gabriel suffered his first asthma episode, Zaina said she was waiting for Marcos to experience the same. Likewise, when she was told Gabriel had a heart murmur she remembers asking the GP to check Marcos as well. “However, as my knowledge about twin’s increases and more research is done in the area, I get less surprised. Nevertheless, I keep on asking myself: if genes can account for their similarities, what accounts for their differences?” ■
annual report 2012
RESEARCH PRIORITY
obesity
Around a quarter of Australian children are either overweight or obese. Obesity is a major contributor to the burden of chronic disease and disability, not only in Australia, but worldwide. Childhood obesity is a priority research area for the Institute. Our researchers are investigating the risks for child obesity including environmental, genetic and lifestyle factors to find out who develops early complications and why and the best ways to treat obesity effectively and prevent its complications.
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STUDY SHOWS FULL HEALTH EFFECTS OF OBESITY NOT FELT UNTIL ADOLESCENCE A study by the Institute found Australian children as young as two years old are obese, but many of the health effects associated with the condition don't emerge until the adolescent years. The study, which looked at the morbidity patterns in over 16,300 normal weight, underweight, overweight and obese children between the ages of two and 18, found that relationships between poor health and weight status vary greatly by age group. Amongst toddlers and pre-schoolers, poorer overall health was most common in the underweight group. But things reversed for older children, with poorer health most common in the obese. Weight category
had little impact on physical health in two to five year olds, but between ages six to 18 years obese children and adolescents experienced markedly poorer overall health. Prevalence rates of obesity were similar across all age ranges, affecting around 20 to 25 per cent of children at all ages. The study also found five per cent of children were underweight at all ages measured. The prevalence of underweight was highest in the toddlers (5.3%) and lowest in the teenagers (4.6%) whereas, conversely, obesity was most prevalent in teenagers (6.1%) and least prevalent in toddlers (4.4%). Surprisingly, underweight school-aged children and adolescents were physically among the healthiest in their age groups, while normal-weight children tended to experience the best psychosocial and mental health outcomes. Lead researcher Professor Melissa Wake said: “The study highlighted this period of time between the early onset of obesity - when young children don't really feel its full health-related effects - and adolescence, when obesity really starts to bite. The positive flip-side of this is that doctors and researchers have a really long window to intervene," Melissa said. Researchers said the study highlights the need for effective obesity prevention strategies throughout childhood and adolescence. ■
DAILY SERVE OF VEGETABLES VITAL TO HEALTH If you needed any more proof that eating your veggies was important, researchers have found it. Researcher Dr Matt Sabin from the Institute, in collaboration with researchers in Finland, studied over 2,000 children and found kids who eat just one serving of vegetables a day significantly reduce their risk of metabolic syndrome in adulthood. Metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions that often occur together and can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart disease. The research, which is part of the Young Finns Study, followed children over a 27 year period and examined the associations between childhood lifestyle factors and metabolic syndrome in adulthood. These factors included how often the children ate vegetables, fruit, fish, meat, and butter as well as their level of physical activity. The study found that the more often vegetables were eaten during childhood; the less likely they were to develop metabolic syndrome and other
heart disease-related illnesses in adult life. Importantly, they found that eating vegetables was beneficial, independent of all other lifestyle factors. It also showed those children who ate vegetables once a week or less had an increased risk of high blood pressure and high triglyceride levels. These associations were independent of adult vegetable consumption. ■
SPECIALIST SKILLS REQUIRED TO COMBAT OBESITY Our team published a study in Archives of Disease in Childhood, which found paediatricians are confident in assessing obesity, but only 20% feel they could make a difference to an obese child's weight. The study, which audited 200 paediatricians and included over 8000 patients, also found that training levels were low, showed little association with obesity diagnosis, and the skills learnt weren't routinely used. Currently in Australia, many children are referred to specialist weight management clinics, but due to the rise in obesity, researchers have pointed to secondary care as another possible way to clinically manage childhood and adolescent obesity and its complications. The study showed that whilst paediatricians felt 'very' (67%) or 'quite' (31%) competent discussing a child's weight when broached by a parent, only 47% felt very confident broaching the subject of the child's weight themselves, without prompting from the parent. However, most felt confident managing obstructive sleep apnoea (64%), depression (57%), and bullying (55%), while 45%, 32%, 22% and 20% felt confident in managing obesity related hypertension, insulin resistance, fatty liver disease and high cholesterol, respectively. Shortfalls in training were also highlighted in the study, with 53% reporting training in assessing obesityrelated diseases, but only 37% in managing them. Even fewer paediatricians were trained in specific management skills - less than 20% for each of the behavioural or formal problem solving techniques. Furthermore, training often didn't translate into use, with less than 30% of those trained reporting using their training. Professor Melissa Wake said that while prevention of childhood and adolescent obesity is the priority, new treatments are needed for the growing number of children who are already obese - especially those at highest risk factors for later problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. ■
SPOTLIGHT ON ADOLESCENT HEALTH Professors George Patton and Susan Sawyer published papers in a special series in The Lancet, highlighting the risks and issues faced globally by adolescents. About half of the world’s population is now younger than 25 years, with 1.8 billion adolescents. Today’s adolescents are facing unprecedented changes in the world’s social and physical environments. These changes are transforming adolescent development and, in so doing, changing the prospects for health now and in the future.
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In the first paper of the series, which was led by Susan, researchers said adolescents are now more exposed than previous generations to harmful alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, tobacco use and sexually transmitted infections, among other risks. Susan said the paper combined a wide range of research which shows there is a lack of focus on adolescent health and that the preventable health risks initiated during adolescence commonly have lifelong consequences for health, highlighting the need to address the issue. At least 70% of premature adult deaths reflect behaviours started or reinforced during adolescence. In the final paper in the series, led by George, researchers analysed currently available international data that allowed comparisons across countries. In low income countries the problems of HIV, tuberculosis and maternal mortality remain endemic in this group. With development many middle-income countries are facing a new epidemic of injuries with very high rates in males in Eastern Europe and Latin America. The paper also highlighted the global problem with risks for noncommunicable diseases (NCD) in later life. “For the largest generation in the world’s history, the available global profile of youth health is worrying. The highincome world has been grappling with a rising tide of risks for non-communicable diseases, including the problems of obesity, physical inactivity, alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use. This tide is now overwhelming many low and middle-income countries that have yet been able to bring in measures to control the problems of injury, infectious disease and maternal mortality in this young age group,” George said. In 2013, George and Susan are co-ordinating a Commission in Adolescent Health and Wellbeing through the University as Melbourne, as requested by The Lancet. They hope this will provide a guide to international agencies and funders such as the United Nations, World Health Organization and AusAID in their work around young people and their health. ■
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ask the researchers professors susan sawyer & george patton The link between adolescent and adult health suggests that evidence-based investments in healthy adolescent development have enormous implications for future global health. Adolescent Health researchers, Professors Susan Sawyer and George Patton explain why adolescent health needs to be addressed on a global scale.
susan says:
george says:
Adolescence is a critical developmental period, so if we develop ways to support young people to successfully negotiate the challenges of adolescence, they will find themselves well on the path to a healthy and successful future. The risks are that if they don’t, there are fewer second chances, even in countries like Australia.
This is the largest generation of young people there will ever be in human history. What happens to these young people as they grow up will shape not only their own futures and that of their family but will shape their country’s future.
Through joint research being undertaken by the Institute, the University of Melbourne and The Royal Children’s Hospital, we are looking to understand some of the big transitions that children go through as they develop and that have a major influence on health. One of our studies is looking at how puberty affects that health of kids with a particular focus on mental health and the health risks that are likely to cause major problems later in life, including obesity, heavy alcohol consumption and tobacco use. Other studies like the Victorian Adolescent Health Cohort Study and the International Youth Development Study are looking at how making a good transition through education into employment, into marriage and parenthood might be beneficial for health. Also, the work with The Royal Children’s Hospital around making the hospital a great place for the health care of adolescents as well as younger children is likely to have lessons for hospitals around the globe about how they manage their adolescents with health problems.
Worryingly, this has been the most neglected age group in terms of health. The assumption is that adolescents and young adults are healthy and we therefore don’t need to worry about their health. Yet around a sixth of all diseases begin in these years and many of the risk factors for diseases in later life – tobacco and alcohol use, physical inactivity, obesity, poor diet – emerge in these years. And while there has been vast improvements in most countries in the health of younger children – mortality in one to four year-olds has fallen 80% over fifty years – the health of adolescents is no better today than fifty years ago. We are now at a point where if we are to capitalise on the great investments in early childhood health we need to continue those investments into later childhood and adolescence in particular, when a whole host of new health problems emerge.
‘CONTROLLED
COMFORTING’ EFFECTIVE AND SAFE
A study published in Pediatrics found behavioural sleep techniques known as ‘controlled comforting’ and ‘camping out’ provide a costeffective way to help infants sleep better, reduce mothers’ depression levels, and are safe to use in the long term.
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The world-first study by the Institute examined whether ‘controlled comforting’ and ‘camping out’ have long-term effects. The study followed 225 children from infancy through to six years old to track whether a sleep program had lasting effects on children’s mental health, stress levels, the child-parent relationship, or maternal mental health. Parents who reported sleep problems in their seven-month-old infant were eligible for the study. Half were offered a sleep program which involved using positive bedtime routines plus one of two sleep techniques: ‘controlled comforting,’ in which parents respond to their infant’s cry at increasing time intervals to allow the child to self-settle; and ‘camping out,’ in which the parent sits with the child as they learn to independently fall asleep, slowly removing their presence from the child’s room. The study found that the improvements to children’s and mothers’ sleep and mothers’ mental health were still evident up to two years later, then faded by six years. At this later age, children who had been offered the sleep program as babies were similar to the control group in their mental and behavioral health, sleep quality, stress and relationship with their parents. The same applied to mothers’ mental health and parenting style. Lead researcher Dr Anna Price said the study should help parents and health professionals feel confident about the effectiveness and safety of sleep interventions in infants aged six months and older, especially as a strategy to manage postnatal depression. “Parents can feel reassured that using sleep interventions like controlled comforting and camping out are effective and safe. Given that the techniques work for most families and are cost-effective, parents and health professionals can feel confident using these sleep techniques to manage infant sleep.” ■
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THE IAN POTTER CENTRE FOR PERSONALISED MEDICINE AND GENOMICS
STUDY TO COMBAT CARDIOVASCULAR AND RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS
The Institute, in collaboration with the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, officially launched The Ian Potter Centre for Genomics and Personalised Medicine in 2012, which is Australia’s first research centre devoted to matching disease treatments to a person’s genetic makeup.
Researcher Professor Melissa Wake and her team were awarded a major National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grant in 2012 worth $3.1 million to study cardiovascular and chronic respiratory problems that are among Australia’s leading causes of death. These health problems develop from complex health and psychosocial pathways that run through childhood and therefore morbidity and mortality that should be avoidable.
The Ian Potter Foundation committed $3 million to the centre and will see researchers from the two Institutes combining their skills and expertise to harness the power of new genomic sequencing technologies. The centre will offer new insights into childhood and adult diseases with a focus on immune disorders and cancer. In particular, projects will use genomics to examine food allergy in children, juvenile arthritis, leukaemia, neural tumours and colon cancer. Professor Andrew Sinclair from the Institute said if patients were to derive maximum benefit from new therapies then researchers must become more adept at identifying patients who will respond positively to treatments. “Through this centre we will use highly specialised equipment to process patient samples and analyse their genetic composition so doctors can use this knowledge to match their profile to the best treatment plan,” Andrew said. ■
In 2015, more than 4000 children will be invited into the major physical health and biomarkers module adding to the landmark Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). LSAC has been visiting children at home every two years since 2004. For this new module, a ‘pop-up’ centre will travel to cities and towns around Australia to conduct the Child Health CheckPoint. Over the session, the children will participate in measures of cardiovascular health (blood pressure, arterial ultrasound, retinal photography), respiratory function (lung function tests), physical activity and fitness (accelerometry, exercise bikes, standing jumps), body composition, vision, health-related quality of life, healthcare utilisation and many more. The main LSAC study is led jointly by the Australian Department of Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Murdoch Childrens researchers have led its health measures since inception and will also lead this new module. Its cutting-edge physical and biological data will be released to researchers nationally and internationally in late 2017. ■
annual report 2012
Left to right: Ms Leone Thiele, Dr Jennifer Koplin, A/Professor Shyamali Dharmage, Professor Melissa Wake, Professor Katie Allen, Mr Thanh Dang, A/Professor Mimi Tang, Miss Tina Tan. Photo courtesy of NHMRC / James Braun
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research highlights GROUND-BREAKING ALLERGY RESEARCH In 2012, Professor Katie Allen and her team’s research was included in the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) booklet ‘Ten of the Best Research Projects 2012'. The publication showcases the work of the finest medical researchers in the country and included Katie’s ground-breaking research on allergies. Katie was also awarded a Centre of Research Excellence grant by the NHMRC to establish a Centre of Research Excellence in Paediatric Food Allergy. The CRE, which is worth almost $2.5 million over five years, will provide evidence-based guidelines that will inform public health policy and the clinical care of patients.
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The Centre will bring together researchers, clinicians and allied health professionals involved in childhood food allergy from all around Australia. Building on already established research projects and platforms, the group intends to generate, synthesise and translate findings from the existing research platforms with the aim of initiating public health measures
aimed at reducing the tide of the childhood food allergy epidemic. At the Institute, the research conducted by Katie and her team has broken new ground on more accurate ways of identifying food allergies in children. In applying these new methods, the true prevalence of child food allergies has been revealed. Katie and her team have been examining combinations of genetic, epigenetic, immunological and environmental factors and have already published discoveries including an improved two-step test for peanut allergy diagnosis, which is safer and more reliable than current tests and a gene that increases the risk of food allergy. The team is also conducting further trials to measure the impact of allergies and any correlation between allergies and other medical conditions such as asthma. ■
CHILDHOOD ALLERGIES
INSTITUTE FAREWELLS ANDY CHOO
Harry was just 11 months old when his mother, Katie Eyers realised he had a severe and possibility life-threatening food allergy.
In 2012, Genetic Disorders Theme Director, Professor Andy Choo, retired from his role at the Institute and his illustrious science career, which spanned 33 years. Andy had been with the Institute and its predecessors from its early beginnings, under the late Professor David Danks AO.
“Harry was sitting in his high chair, playing with a whisk that I had just made an omelette with. I was cooking, heard him cough, turned around and saw him start to turn red. I checked on him as he seemed to be choking and noticed a rash starting to appear around his mouth. Quickly I called an ambulance. That was the first time I heard, and really understood, how serious anaphylaxis was,” Katie said. In emergency Katie was told that Harry needed to stay away from eggs and milk until she could get an appointment with an allergist. She was told there was at least a five month wait for an appointment. By coincidence, just three weeks later at Harry’s immunisation session Katie was approached by members of the Murdoch Childrens allergy research team asking if they would like to be part of an allergy study at the Institute. In the study, Harry was tested for the most common allergic foods. “Within a few minutes his back had lit up like a Christmas tree,” Katie recalls, “large bright hives appeared to almost every allergen tested. The nurses commented on his ‘off the scale’ results. I think it was then I realised life might be a little different for us.” Harry was diagnosed with life threatening food allergies to egg, nuts, sesame, milk and soy. “Many questions raced through my mind, as did the emotions. I was confused, upset, angry, exhausted, shocked and desperate. How do you feed someone with so many allergies, I thought!” Katie says the opportunity for her and Harry to be a part of Katie and the team’s allergy study and be ‘supported, guided and educated’ by the team was fantastic. “We are so grateful that we have had the benefit of the medical testing and diagnoses, but indebted to the medical staff for their practical guidance on how to live relatively normal lives when caring for a child who could have a life threatening episode every time he eats. The team has gone above and beyond to give us confidence in keeping Harry safe, from tips and hints into making sure our extended family members and teachers also understand and know about anaphylaxis.” ■
He led the Chromosome Research group at the Institute from 1983 and was appointed Theme Director in 2005, overseeing and mentoring hundreds of researchers in genetics. Andy has an outstanding track record in chromosome and centromere biology and has published over 200 scientific publications. One of his major discoveries was the finding that human chromosomes could spontaneously form a structure that could control chromosome movement during cell division. Using this structure, our labs were able to form mini chromosomes, which have the potential to be used in treatment of genetic conditions. This work, which was published in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science (USA), is named among the top discoveries made by researchers at the Institute over its 26-year history. Andy retired from his career in science to pursue his long-held interests in Eastern philosophy. Throughout his career, he has shown immense dedication and commitment to research excellence. His contributions have helped shape Murdoch Childrens as the worldrenowned paediatric research institute that it is today. ■
annual report 2012
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VCGS
Victorian Clinical Genetics Services
Director’s Report 2012 Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (VCGS) is a subsidiary of Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and provides not-for-profit clinical and laboratory genetics services, with an emphasis on innovation and on translating the latest research discoveries into clinical care. Our services are provided through new diagnostic laboratories based at the Institute and through clinical services located at multiple sites across Victoria and Tasmania. In 2012 we saw a continuation of the revolution in genetic testing technologies that is impacting all areas of VCGS. These are exciting times, but also present challenges to ensure that the new technologies are effectively translated into clinical benefit to patients. VCGS is leading the way with the diagnostic use of Next Generation Sequencing Technology, which is able to simultaneously test large numbers of genes, or even an entire genome, with a single test. Our particular focus has been on genetic cardiac disease, including genetic causes of sudden cardiac death. Using the combined expertise of VCGS and Murdoch Childrens, we have developed a new test that can look at nearly 100 cardiac genes, and which will significantly improve the diagnosis of genetic heart disease. Another use of Next Generation Sequencing is Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing for Down syndrome, which is able to accurately diagnose Down syndrome during pregnancy by analysing DNA from the foetus that is circulating in the mother’s blood. This testing will be offered as a clinical service from 2013. Whilst our laboratories have been busy developing these new tests, the task of interpreting the resulting genetic information and communicating it to patients rests with our clinical teams. Many of the new tests present counselling and ethical challenges, and the combination of laboratory and clinical skills available at VCGS has proved to be essential for meeting these new challenges.
Another major milestone in 2012 was the completion of the software rewrite of POSSUM, our dysmorphology database of genetic syndromes that has been used worldwide for more than 20 years. The new POSSUM is a fully web-based program, and allows closer collaboration with clinicians and other databases. VCGS is also a leader in genetic education and research and in the training of the next generation of genetic scientists, counsellors and clinicians. In 2012 VCGS staff made a number of exciting research discoveries and published a total of 46 scientific publications, many in prestigious international journals. I thank our Board, Executive committee, and all our staff for their ongoing support and commitment to providing the highest standard of clinical and laboratory genetics services. I specifically thank Professor Terry Dwyer for his eight-year contribution as Chair of the VCGS Board, and welcome Professor Kathryn North, the incoming Chair. Associate Professor David Amor Director, VCGS
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corporate & scientific services
The role of Corporate and Scientific Services (C&SS) is to maximise the ability of our researchers to achieve outstanding results, by providing support and first-class research resources, systems and processes. 2012 was our first full year in our new, world-class research facilities. Staff are now enjoying purposebuilt spaces and work continues on refurbishment of the south building which, when complete, will provide additional space for research groups as they continue to expand. Maintaining modern equipment is an important complement to our facilities and 2012 saw the roll out of 20 new security access -80°C freezers along with new software to effectively manage the two million samples in ultra-cold storage. A major goal of 2012 was to position Murdoch Childrens as “the best place to be” for child-focussed medical research. Of key importance is the attraction and retention of key research talent, with leadership and management development programs targeting core competencies to identify and develop future scientific leaders in the field of paediatric research; the introduction of a staff benefits and wellbeing program, which aligns with our health and safety objectives and is run at no cost to the Institute; and the partnership formed with International SOS to provide pre-travel advice and in-country medical and security assistance to staff travelling for research purposes. Our online financial reporting systems were enhanced to provide Group Leaders with more timely and appropriate financial information to effectively manage research budgets. A new, streamlined staff information system, i-manage, was launched in August, bringing together Human Resources, Payroll and Health and Safety Functions to provide readily accessible information to staff and managers. A significant benefit of this system is the time savings afforded to managers, allowing them to focus more on research and less on administration. In October the National Health & Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) monitoring team visited the Institute as part of its standard audit process. The NHMRC team acknowledged the efforts made by the Institute to create a culture of high-quality and valued research and the high standard of research management processes. We continue to emphasise the translation of research findings into benefits for the community. Of note in
2012 was the formation of GI therapies, which received investment from the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund to develop a new medical device to treat constipation. Murdoch Childrens’ patent portfolio has grown to 16 patents, a result of our focus on early capture of intellectual property. We have also been supporting the Institute’s RV3 rotavirus vaccine trials, which have commenced in New Zealand and Indonesia – a major milestone for the project. To encourage more young researchers to take an interest in commercialisation, we have launched a Business Development Internship Program, which forms part of the Victorian government-sponsored ‘Molecules to Medicine’ initiative run by Cancer Therapeutics CRC. With the knowledge that efficient and effective support services underpin the best research, we closed 2012 by engaging PricewaterhouseCoopers to conduct a holistic review of C&SS systems, processes and culture. Work has already commenced to implement some of the recommendations of the review for streamlining key processes and this will continue in a phased approach throughout 2013. In the coming year we look forward to welcoming our newly appointed General Manager, Finance and Operations, John Dakin. John has had a distinguished career in operations in both corporate and medical research environments and will be a valuable addition to the Institute and C&SS as we strive to continuously improve our research support services.
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core groups QUANTITATIVE SCIENCES Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics (CEBU) The Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit (CEBU) provides expertise in biostatistics, study design and data management to a wide range of researchers at the Institute, with a focus on clinical and population health studies. The team collaborates with many research groups and also conducts our own research to improve methods of biostatistical analysis. Highlights & achievements • Dr Katherine Lee was awarded a Career Development Fellowship from the National Health & Medical Research Council.
42
• CEBU researchers were successful as co-investigators
on a total of seven new NHMRC Project Grant applications and Professor John Carlin led the establishment of the Victorian Centre for Biostatistics (ViCBiostat) in its first year of funding under a NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence grant, in collaboration with A/Professor Michael Coory (Health Services Research) and colleagues at Monash University and The University of Melbourne. This grant provides $2.5million over five years to fund post-doctoral researchers and PhD candidates in biostatistics, with the aim of developing careers and highlevel leadership capacity in this core research discipline. • The group had 59 scientific publications.
Bioinformatics The Bioinformatics group performs research and analysis on the massive amounts of data we can now obtain from new DNA sequencing technologies. The team comprises of group leader (Dr Alicia Oshlack), four postdoctoral, two higher degree students and a research assistant. The group collaborates with dozens of groups within the Institute in basic research and clinical applications of genetic diagnosis. Highlights & achievements • Dr Alicia Oshlack was awarded a Career Development Fellowship from the NHMRC. • Dr Alicia Oshlack was awarded an NHMRC project grant. • The group had 14 scientific publications.
OFFICE OF RESEARCH This year saw the formation of the Office of Research under the Directorship of Professor Sheena Reilly. The Office manages three important streams of research enablement; Strategy & Evaluation, Funding & Outcomes and Governance & Clinical Research. Clinical Research and Development Office (CRDO) The Clinical Research and Development Office (CRDO) was established by A/Professor Andrew Davidson to facilitate and increase capacity for clinical and public health research across the Campus. In 2012 Andrew welcomed two new team members, Sarah Bascomb and Heidi Gaulke.
Statistical Genetics The Statistical Genetics Group is a new group at the Institute in 2012. The team conducts research in statistical population genetics with a major focus on statistical methods development for the typing of immune system (and other) genes, detecting and controlling for population stratification, and detecting complex associations between genes and disease. Highlights & achievements • Dr Stephen Leslie was awarded a Career Development Fellowship from the NHMRC • Dr Stephen Leslie published papers in Nature Genetics, the European Journal of Human Genetics with Dr Alicia Oshlack and Dr Mark Robinson and Dr Stephen Leslie was awarded an NHMRC project grant.
The new members have raised CRDO’s profile both on campus and to the wider Melbourne research community. Sarah and Heidi continue to help novice researchers launch new clinical research projects and have updated research education on campus with new interactive seminars and workshops. Other new initiatives include a trial budget guideline and template, a ‘buddy program’ for new trial coordinators, new web portals and mandatory online training. The CRDO team have also been heavily involved in the development of a new national Paediatric Trials Network (PTNA) and the database created to support it which will be online in mid 2013.
AUSTRALIAN PAEDIATRIC PHARMACOLOGY RESEARCH UNIT (APPRU) Headed by A/Professor Noel Cranswick, the Australian Paediatric Pharmacology Research Unit (APPRU) performs high quality, timely, clinical trials in children. The team provides clinical trial services and personnel who are highly experienced in phase I to phase IV trials and issues relating to good clinical practice (GCP), Case Report Form (CRF) management and subject recruitment. APPRU also provided clinical pharmacology, research and development, clinical trial design and protocol development, GCP compliance, pharmacokinetic modelling and regulatory affairs strategy. Highlights & achievements • The group had a total of 44 studies within APPRU in 2012; from completing the initial ethics application and feasibility up to archiving after the final patient completed. Of these, 28 were commercially sponsored covering a range of specialties including dermatology, allergy, gastroenterology, haematology, neurology, metabolic disease, rheumatology and infectious disease. • There were 16 investigator initiated studies within the unit, of which six had NHMRC funding.
where the money comes from other research income
annual report 2012
where the money goes research
government & other peer reviewed grants
clinical services (VCGS)
8% 56%
48%
23%
23% clinical services (VCGS)
donations, fundraising & bequests
f
6%
13% 6%
finance income
9%
7% technical & scientific services
contract research & clinical trials
administration
1% fundraising
financials at a glance of consolidated entity
REVENUE 2012 ($M)
2011 ($M)
Government & other peer reviewed grants
46.98
41.66 (108.29*)
Clinical services
21.95
20.40
Donations, fundraising & bequests
6.07 (11.87**)
7.71 (15.51**)
Finance income
5.60
2.56
Contract research & clinical trials
9.09
8.01
Other research income
7.29
7.72
* Reported “Government & other peer reviewed grant” income was $108.29M. This included $66.634M being the $50.0M Commonwealth Grant, together with accumulated interest since 2007, for a 50 year right to occupy in the redeveloped RCH. ** Reported ”Donations, fundraising & bequests” income was $11.87M. This included campaign fundraising proceeds of $5.8M for 2012.
EXPENDITURE
44
2012 ($M)
2011 ($M)
Research expenditure
53.11
48.83
Clinical services
21.74
20.08
Fundraising
1.04
1.13
Administration
6.90
6.14
12.86
8.16
Facility, technical & scientific services
murdoch childrens research institute and its controlled entities statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 december 2012 Consolidated
The Company
2012
2011
2012
2011
$
$
$
$
Revenue from research & clinical activities
85,027,134
144,420,990
63,358,981
124,022,750
Depreciation & amortisation
(4,535,606)
(2,255,457)
(4,110,184)
(1,890,685)
(90,070,625)
(80,558,017)
(68,760,259)
(60,841,233)
Surplus/(Deficit) from research & clinical activities
(9,579,097)
61,607,516
(9,511,462)
61,290,832
Donation, Estates & Bequest & Fundraising income
11,874,318
15,512,350
11,874,318
15,512,350
Fundraising expense
(1,041,916)
(1,129,491)
(1,041,916)
(1,129,491)
Net surplus obtained from Fundraising Activities
10,832,402
14,382,859
10,832,402
14,382,859
5,877,173
2,748,816
5,598,621
2,563,964
-
-
-
-
Net Finance income / (expense)
5,877,173
2,748,816
5,598,621
2,563,964
Operating surplus for the period *
7,130,478
78,739,191
6,919,561
78,237,655
Net change in available for sale financial assets
(820,576)
(1,963,962)
(820,576)
(1,963,962)
Total comprehensive surplus for the period
6,309,902
76,775,229
6,098,985
76,273,693
Other expenses for research & clinical activities
Finance income Finance expenses
Other comprehensive income:
* In the prior year, the operating surplus included non-recurring Commonwealth Government Grant income of $66.6M associated with the redevelopment of the Royal Children’s Hospital
murdoch childrens research institute and its controlled entities balance sheets as at 31 december 2012 annual report 2012
Consolidated
The Company
2012
2011
2012
2011
$
$
$
$
CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents
13,709,229
15,685,631
10,233,110
8,245,279
8,029,109
9,046,541
5,107,130
7,393,069
Other investments
18,867,087
88,325,078
18,337,330
87,805,983
total current assets
40,605,425
113,057,250
33,677,570
103,444,331
Trade receivables and other assets
64,390,121
65,470,037
64,390,121
65,470,037
Other investments
34,928,614
27,458,764
34,928,614
27,458,764
Property, plant & equipment
18,095,587
15,281,169
14,701,622
13,962,547
total non-current assets
117,414,322
108,209,970
114,020,357
106,891,348
TOTAL ASSETS
158,019,747
221,267,220
147,697,927
210,335,679
21,939,770
91,836,718
20,982,325
90,106,318
9,526,305
9,034,616
5,867,463
5,571,275
31,466,075
100,871,334
26,849,788
95,677,593
Employee benefits
1,378,840
1,320,501
1,148,302
1,057,234
total non-current liabilities
1,378,840
1,320,501
1,148,302
1,057,234
32,844,915
102,191,835
27,998,090
96,734,827
125,174,832
119,075,385
119,699,837
113,600,852
95,164,927
88,284,449
89,729,477
82,809,916
(288,467)
532,109
(288,467)
532,109
400,000
400,000
400,000
400,000
26,258,827
26,258,827
26,258,827
26,258,827
Building development fund
2,600,000
2,600,000
2,600,000
2,600,000
Fellowships & scholarships fund
1,000,000
1,000,000
1,000,000
1,000,000
39,545
-
-
-
125,174,832
119,075,385
119,699,837
113,600,852
Trade receivables and other assets
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
r
CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade and other payables Employee benefits total current liabilities NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
TOTAL LIABILITIES NET ASSETS
MEMBERS’ FUNDS Accumulated funds Fair value reserve Capital reserve Permanent investment funds
Translational Research Fund TOTAL MEMBERS’ FUNDS
46
murdoch childrens research institute and its controlled entities statements of cash flows for the year ended 31 december 2012 Consolidated
The Company
2012
2011
2012
2011
$
$
$
$
Cash flows from operating activities Patient fees received
14,194,882
12,860,782
-
-
Government and other grants received
54,924,398
54,718,889
47,042,523
46,828,164
Donations received
11,886,775
15,515,274
11,874,318
15,512,350
1,215,000
1,025,288
1,215,000
1,025,288
Interest received Other receipts
15,725,654
13,516,829
17,557,941
13,869,631
Cash paid to suppliers and employees
(92,671,244)
(76,909,665)
(71,794,267)
(57,554,567)
Payment of right of occupancy
(67,073,043)
-
(67,073,043)
-
-
-
-
-
(61,797,578)
20,727,397
(61,177,528)
19,680,866
278,552
184,852
-
-
-
-
1,111,308
(932,192)
Proceeds on sale of investments
22,838,981
12,841,583
22,838,981
12,841,583
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
(6,019,225)
(2,468,590)
(3,507,798)
(1,792,236)
Proceeds from redemption of term deposits
69,468,653
-
69,468,653
-
(26,745,785)
(27,719,842)
(26,745,785)
(27,719,842)
59,821,176
(17,161,997)
63,165,359
(17,602,687)
Repayment of borrowings
-
-
-
-
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES
-
-
-
-
AND Cash Equivalents
(1,976,402)
3,565,400
1,987.831
2,078,179
cash AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT 1 JANUARY
15,685,631
12,120,231
8,245,279
6,167,100
cash AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT 31 DECEMBER
13,709,229
15,685,631
10,233,110
8,245,279
Interest paid net cash provided FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES cash flows from investing activities Investment income received Advances to (from) related parties
Acquisition of investments NET CASH (USED IN)/FROM INvesting activities CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
NET INCREASE/ (DECREASE) IN CASH
annual report 2012
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students
Murdoch Childrens has a strong program for educating the child and adolescent researchers of tomorrow. Students benefit from interacting with our senior scientists and clinicians and from opportunities to gain skills in leadership and communication. In 2012, Murdoch Childrens had 233 Honours and PhD students.
AWARD-WINNING PHD
GENETIC TESTING INSPIRES PHD
Johanna Simkin is completing her PhD under the supervision of Dr Don Newgreen, investigating the embryonic nervous system development in avian models.
Developmental delay affects about 1 – 3% of the population and the underlying cause often remains unknown. For parents, receiving a diagnosis can be a source of validation and may impact upon their child’s prognosis, treatment and access to available supports.
During her PhD, Johanna has won a number of awards including the 2012 Endeavour Research Fellowship from the Australian Government, which is given to both Australian and international high achieving scholars and postdoctoral students. The fellowship provided financial support for Johanna to undertake six months research overseas towards her PhD. Johanna used the fellowship to continue her research in Paris, at the University of Pierre and Marie Curie. Johanna has also presented her work at the OzBio conference in 2012 and 2010 as an Australia and New Zealand Society for Cell and Developmental Biology member, and won the 2010 Developmental Biology Student Poster Prize. ■
New genetic technologies are now being used across Australia to help end the ‘diagnostic odyssey’ families often experience. These microarray tests have the ability to identify DNA changes at a much higher resolution than was previously possible, but are often highly complicated to understand and explain. The way in which doctors communicate can influence patient understanding, outcomes and satisfaction with clinical services. PhD student, Jean Paul is investigating how doctors who specialise in genetics communicate with parents in consultations for children who have developmental delay. Jean is researching the process of the consultations and the way the information is communicated to patients. She hopes findings from her research will inform health professionals about best practice in medical communication and will contribute to training the medical profession in effectively communicating genetic testing results. In 2012, Jean was awarded the Harold Mitchell Travelling Fellowship, for her research. The fellowship enabled her to attend and present at two international conferences in Europe in human genetics and medical communication research. Jean also undertook an intensive summer course at the Health Communication Research Centre at Cardiff University to enhance her analytical techniques for her PhD. ■
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achievement awards & fellowships
ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
THE INNOVATION AWARD
LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARD
The Institute’s staff awards formally acknowledge and reward high achievers, to motivate staff and promote awareness of the exceptional commitment of individuals to the values and mission of Murdoch Childrens.
Recognises staff in research support or corporate services who have improved support for research and have demonstrated a level of creativity in their contribution.
Recognises excellence in leadership.
THE DISCOVERY AWARD
THE TEAMWORK AWARD
Recognises excellence in research achievement for senior researchers, 10 or more years postdoctoral.
Acknowledges the contributions of staff who work beyond their own position in the areas of events and staff engagement.
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Andrew Grimes, Corporate & Scientific Services
Professor George Patton (Population Health Studies of Adolescents), for his work on 50-year mortality trends in children and young people and subsequent publications in The Lancet .
Kate Pope, Skeletal Biology & Disease, and Clinical Genetics Research for her contribution to the mentoring and support of placement students.
THE RISING STAR AWARD
ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH & SAFETY AWARD
Recognises up-and-coming researchers for their excellence in research achievement. Dr Alicia Spittle, for her contribution to the knowledge of the physical development of preterm infants, and notable publications in Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology.
Benjamin Ong, Scientific Services
Recognises both a staff member and a team that has made significant contributions to improve safety performance. Jan Wiebe, Healthy Mothers Healthy Families (Individual Award)
VOLUNTEER AWARD Recognises outstanding contributions by a staff member to the Institute through volunteering at fundraising and other events. Shuopan Wang, Information Technology
Professor David Danks scholarship Awarded in honour of Professor David Danks, the founding director of The Murdoch Institute, the scholarship recognises leading PhD and MD students and provides a financial supplement to their university scholarship. Betty Kao, Cell & Gene Therapy
(Re)Cycle Group (Team award)
grants
GOVERNMENT FUNDING
COMPETITIVE GRANTS
Murdoch Childrens was awarded a record $28.8 million by the National Health & Medical Research Council in 2012 for new research projects commencing in 2013. This will fund 21 new research projects, 15 fellowships and scholarships and one new Centre for Research Excellence in childhood food allergy.
Our research was generously supported by many charitable foundations, which provided peer-reviewed funding for innovative research.
FEDERAL Australian Research Council Department of Health and Ageing Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
STATE Department of Health, Victoria Department of Human Services, Victoria Transport Accident Commission, Victoria Department of Education and Training, Northern Territory Department of Education, Tasmania
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVE FUNDING Murdoch Childrens received $2.5 million in grants from international funding bodies in 2012 to support research into rotavirus, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USA CURESEARCH for Children’s Cancer, USA Department of Defense, USA Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance, USA March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, USA Muscular Dystrophy Association, USA Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research National Institutes of Health, USA Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, USA Thrasher Research Fund, USA
ANZ Trustees Arthritis Australia Asthma Foundation Australian Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation Australian Orthopaedic Association Bone Health Foundation Bone Marrow Donor Institute Brain Foundation Cancer Council Victoria CASS Foundation Cerebral Palsy Institute Cerebral Palsy Alliance Duchenne Foundation Equity Trustees Financial Markets Foundation for Children Friedreich Ataxia Research Association Australasia Garnett Passe and Rodney Williams Memorial Foundation Harold Mitchell Foundation Heart Foundation Heart Kids Hugh Williamson Foundation Ian Potter Foundation Marian and E.H. Flack Trust Mason Foundation Menzies Foundation Muscular Dystrophy Australia National Stroke Foundation Perpetual Trustees R.E. Ross Trust Shepherd Foundation Sidney Myer Fund Sylvia and Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation Telematics Trust Victorian Medical Insurance Agency
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special events
Special events are not only vital for raising funds for research at the Institute, they also provide an opportunity to highlight our research projects to existing supporters, as well as engage with new supporters. Money raised through events is crucial to helping us deliver more money to where it’s needed most – research for tomorrow’s big discoveries, treatments and potential cures. In 2012, we hosted our much-loved events like Discovery Day as well as adding new partnerships to our program. Events were also held in support of research centres, such as the Bruce Lefroy Centre Cocktails and The Centre for Hormone Research’s Diabetes Hearts & Minds Ball. These events play an important role in supporting and raising funds for specific research areas and projects. Here is a snapshot of the events held in 2012 for child health research.
FOXTEL LAP Held in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane, the FOXTEL Lap saw over 150 corporate teams sweat it out on the treadmill or bike, all in support of child health. The Institute’s Ambassador, Sarah Murdoch, along with Dave Hughes, Kris Smith, Matt Shirvington and other FOXTEL personalities helped promote the event, which raised over $400,000 for research. The FOXTEL Lap has long been the Institute’s largest fundraising event and in its eight-year history has raised over $3 million for Murdoch Childrens.
annual report 2012
AUSTRALIA–CHINA RESEARCH DINNER
DISCOVERY DAY
Two hundred people from the Chinese community in Melbourne and supporters of the Institute attended the inaugural Australia-China research dinner, held at the Melbourne Zoo in partnership with the Federation of Chinese Associations (Victoria).
A much-loved family favourite, Discovery Day celebrated its eighth year. Held at the late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s Cruden Farm in March, over 2500 people attended the event and were treated to entertainment by Alvin & the Chipmunks.
Former Premier Ted Baillieu MLA was our guest of honour at the dinner and provided the keynote address highlighting the importance of collaboration between Australia and China. The funds raised from the evening will support research projects which are specifically linked to Murdoch Childrens research collaborations between Australia and China
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Thanks to all our event sponsors: Alpha Zeta Anaconda Ernst & Young Fitness First FOXTEL Guinot Herald Sun Kay & Burton Leader Newspapers Liberty Catering Magna Resources NAB Nova PricewaterhouseCoopers RBS Group SCT Sportsbet Spotlight Foundation Vaalia
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Kids’ activities included rides, face painting, arts and crafts tents, rock climbing, mini golf, pony rides and jumping castles. The event raised over $130,000 for research. Discovery Day would not be possible without the generous support of donors. Thank you to the committee: Fleur Arnold, Kate Kavanagh, Eliza Mantello, Dimity Millear, Kate Mohr, Monique Rajch (co-chair), Dahlia Sable (co-chair), Camille Sunshine.
VOGUE FASHION’S NIGHT OUT We were delighted to be the official charity partner of Vogue Fashion’s Night Out, which was held in Sydney in September. The Institute’s Ambassador Sarah Murdoch, along with Miranda Kerr fronted a media campaign to raise awareness of the Institute and thank Vogue for their support. Vogue tattoos were sold on the night for a gold coin donation, with all proceeds supporting child health research.
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corporate partners
Our corporate partners provide significant financial support for our research, as well as helping to promote the Institute to new friends and supporters. JOHNSON’S baby
SPCA
Vaalia
Murdoch Childrens is excited to welcome our newest partner, JOHNSON’S baby.
For the past two years, SPC Ardmona, Australia’s premier fruit and vegetable processing company, has contributed to the health and happiness of Australian children in more ways than providing Australian kids with healthy snack options.
We are celebrating the second year of our partnership with Vaalia.
In addition to financial support, JOHNSON’S baby will help raise awareness of the Institute through a large-scale consumer connection project to be launched on Mother’s Day 2013 on Facebook. The campaign aims to open up the lines of communication between mothers across Australia, allowing experienced mothers to comfort and inspire new mums. It will also share important research findings. Together, the Institute and JOHNSON’S baby have a grand ambition: to provide first-time and even fifth-time mums with the latest information on child health research.
They have committed to a three-year partnership, helping us to make important discoveries to improve the health of children.
Currently Vaalia has contributed $375,000 towards essential child health research. Vaalia will continue to give further financial support over the next year of our partnership, totalling $450,000. Vaalia’s passion and loyalty for the Institute is evident through their participation and product donations for various events including Discovery Day and the FOXTEL Lap.
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donors
REMEMBERING JAMES
In September 2012, Sarah’s baby son, James passed away from Polymicrogyria, a neurological condition causing life threatening epilepsy. He battled with the condition for nearly five months in The Royal Children’s Hospital. Dr Rick Leventer, who holds a joint appointment with the Institute, was one of James’ clinicians during this time.
Sarah held ‘The Elgin Lane fair’, at her home in Armadale. “The Elgin Lane fair was a gathering to celebrate a growing community that helped my family, like many other bereaved families get through a rollercoaster year of hope and despair. Creating a carnival spirit felt the right way to honour baby James’ life,” Sarah said.
After James’ passing Sarah decided to organise a special event, which would celebrate James’ life and raise funds for Rick’s neuroscience research at Murdoch Childrens.
The fair had a cake stall, sausage sizzle, artwork for sale, a silent auction, face painting and kids craft workshops.
Rick and his team’s research aims to understand the genetic basis of disorders of the nervous system. Apart from epilepsy research, they are focusing on understanding the genetic and molecular basis of early brain development by studying children with congenital brain malformations. This research will translate into improved diagnostic testing and counselling, as well as providing insights into normal developmental mechanisms.
“The highlight of the fair was the group art exhibition, which was collected in the theme of birds. It was poignantly significant as James had spent most of his life in the Cockatoo ward (at the RCH). We were also comforted by watching galahs, rosellas and magpies from the bush land view of the homelike hospital room, with all details thought through.” The Elgin Lane Fair raised $15,000 for the Neuroscience Research group.
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Major corporate philanthropy Barito Pacific Beirut Hellenic Bank BIG W DDK Holdings Dulux Group Ernst & Young Guinot Herald Sun Ipsen KPMG Leader Community Newspapers Liberty Catering Magna Resources NAB News Limited PricewaterhouseCoopers Sportsbet Star Energy Swisse Vitamins The Herald & Weekly Times Victorian Medical Insurance Agency Village Roadshow Event sponsors & pro bono Alpha Zeta Anaconda Blenheim Brand BodyCare Briner Comme CVA Production Services Eastern Press eCommunications Ernst & Young ETM Group Federation of Chinese Assocations Fitness First Food & Desire FOXTEL Guinot Hagens Organic Meat Harry the Hirer Herald Sun K.W Doggett Kailis Bros Kay & Burton Leader Community News Love & Lustre Magna Resources Mattel NAB Nova FM Phil & Ted PricewaterhouseCoopers RBS Morgans SCT Logistics Soccerwise Splitrock Sportsbet Spotlight Foundation The Big Group Theme by JAK three60 Vaalia Vogue Wanted Man Wines
Major donors Australian Community Foundation Paul & Sharon Bassat Bennelong Foundation John & Janet Calvert-Jones Calvert-Jones Foundation Children's Cancer Centre Foundation Inc Collier Charitable Fund Count Charitable Foundation James & Claudia Craig Creswick Foundation Elgin Lane Fair Fight Cancer Foundation George Castan Family Charitable Foundation Lindsay & Paula Fox Graeme & Pamela Fraser Michael & Helen Gannon Gourlay Charitable Trust David Jenkins & Fran H Lefroy KOALA Foundation Jay Lee Leukaemia Research Fund George & Joan Lefroy Marj Lefroy Limb Family Foundation Macquarie Group Foundation Lisa Malaxos McCusker Charitable Foundation Miller Foundation Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Lachlan & Sarah Murdoch Rupert & Wendi Murdoch My Room National Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre Novo Nordisk Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service Prajogo Pangestu Anthony Pratt The Pratt Foundation Judy & Rowly Paterson Pierce Armstrong Trust Adrian & Christina Redlich Sam Riggall & Nichola Lefroy RCH1000 The Royal Children's Hospital Foundation Pamela Sargood Spotlight Charitable Foundation The Cameron Family Foundation The Kimberley Foundation The Ponting Foundation The Salter Foundation The Scobie & Claire Mackinnon Trust The Sunraysia Foundation The Vain and Harry Fish Foundation Tour de Cure Zig Inge Foundation
Estates & bequests Estate of Nance Elizabeth Creaton Estate of Hazel Maude Findlay Estate of Gwendoline Edith Diamond
Thank you to our generous donors in 2012* A Ace Radio Broadcasters ACP Magazine Aegis Media AHG Queensland Roger Ailes Robert Albert Malcolm & Katie Allen Alphapharm Alto Group Amcom American Universities International Programs Anaconda Jim Anassis Conrad Anderson Jesse Angelo Shirley AoLei Christopher & Melissa Archibald Sheila Arthur Ashurst Australian Community Foundation Automotive Holdings Group Avant Mutual Group B Marshall & Judy Baillieu Ariane & Angus Barker David Barlow BASE Business Bob & Nina Bassat Bayside Group Bendigo Bank Bligh Berry Marc & Eva Besen Big Rock Toyota Robin Bishop Brandon Bisnette James Black Kirsty Bloore Blue Star Group Jeff Blutman Brian & Helen Blythe John Borghetti Camilla Boyd Ben Brazil Gerard Breen Bright Moon Buddhist Society Malcolm & Janet Brodie BSA Limited Rob Budd Dean Bult David & Christine Burt Wayne Burt C CAF Community Fund Elisabeth Calvert-Jones Jennifer Carroll Steven Casper & Ilana Wald Neil Cavuto CHAMP Private Equity Charter Mason Bobby Chow
Vincent & Mui Khim Chow Winnie Chung Clemenger BBDO Clough Cobar Consolidated Resources Trevor & Heather Cohen Nick Colalancia & Rosetta Stone John & Christine Collingwood Helen M Collis Anthony & Melanie Coops Laurence & Julie Ann Cox Joe Cutri D Brent & Janine Dankesreither June Danks Brendan Davis-Gibbons Charles Day & Elise Everest Marcel Dayan Deloitte Ken Demlakian Lorraine Denisenko Dennis Family Corporation Disney Channel Tara Dobrotwir Annette Domanti Downer EDI Engineering Pty Ltd Denis Dowty Daniel Drummond Dulux Group Peter & Faye Dunn E Ed Dixon Food Design Eddingford Michael Egan Ian Evans F Joan Fell Shiny Fernandez Robert Fiani First Light Racing Fitzroy North Primary School John Forrest FOXTEL management John & Diana Frew James Frizelle FTI Consulting Alex & Elizabeth Furman FW & CF Penberthy Endowment G Jordan Gangemi Neilma Gantner Michael Gardam Ross & Judith Gardner Gates Australia Geelong Grammar School Michele Gellatly & Nick Pongho John Gerahty Bruce & Robyn Gibbons David Gibbs & Susie O'Neil Gilham Financial
Management Giovanni & Maria Giroletti Glen Iris Primary School Rebecca Godsell Golder Associates Luke Gollant John Gough Louise M Gourlay Grant Thornton Elaine Greenhall Sarah Guest Tim & Kate Gullifer GWPM H Maurice E Hall Reg Hall Leonard & Tanya Hamersfeld Paul & Robyn Handbury Geoff Handbury Hansen Yuncken Happy Receptions Brent Harrington Colin & Carolyn Harris Carole Hart Brian Hartzer Harvey Norman Yanni Hatsatouris Geoffrey & Dorothy Heeley Help Nepal Network Australia S Hendler Ian Herman Bridgit Hogan Debra Holmes Antony Holt Timothy Hovey Peter Howard Jodie Hughes Gareth Hunt John Hutson Rob & Ro Hyde I Icon Construction iiNet Index Group of Companies Investec Bank J Daina Jackman Hugh Jackman Laura James JJ Cabs Michael Johnston Anne Jones K Kailis Bros Christopher Keating Peter & Elizabeth Kelly Ian Kennedy & Sandra Hacker Maxwell Kent Laura Kiln Sarah Kirk Andrew Kong KordaMentha Kororoit Creek Primary School Argenta Kraja
L Peter & Sue Lancaster David Langridge Ian & Jill Lawrence Learning Seat Stanley Stavros & Marisa Leone Geraldine Leslie Adam Lindell John B Little Jocelyn Lovegrove M Christine Macgill Robert Macpherson Macquarie Group Hayley Maloney Robert Mangioni Steve Mannion Steve Mantzaris Mariner International Peter & Elaine Mastos Judy Mataer Maxxia Robert McGavin James McIntyre Raelene McKinnon Alasdair and Prudence McLeod Douglas & Rosemary Meagher Mensie Menashie Mark Mentha Luke Michael Michael & Andrew Buxton Foundation Anna Minardo Bill Mitroulas Robert Moodie Julie Moon Ruth Morrow Multi Channel Network Ashley Murdoch James & Kathryn Murdoch N National Australia Bank Lars Nehrer Peter Niebling John Nolan O Ken Ong Denise O'Reilly Raymond Orloff P James & Erica Packer Tricia Page Maria Paikos Arthur & Heather Paikos Prajogo Pangestu Darren Park Adrian Parker Partners Group Steve Patrick Craig Pattison David & Sonia Payes Peabody Energy Australia Peter Isaacson Foundation Piper Alderman Chris Plummer
Danielle & Carlo Poli Port of Brisbane PPB David Preston David Putt Q Michael & Adrian Quilter R Fudge Raco RACV Club Donna Ravenscroft RBS Group Stephen Rebikoff Greg Reinhardt Angus & Lara Reynolds Geoff Riddle Sue Ritchie River Capital Judy Roach Michael & Judith Robinson Matthew & Julia Rockman Maurice Romano B. J. Roper Paul & Gay Rosen Rotary Australia Rotary Club of Altona Rotary Club of Canterbury Rotary Club of Melton Valley Rotary Club of North Brighton Rotary Club of Strathmore Philip Rowell Annette Rowlands Russell Investment Group S Heinrich Saayman Mark Said Sale Greyhound Club Sapphire Global Sarissa James Scruby Sealord Seek Greg Self Drew & Genni Sellick Mike & Rita Shearer Andrew & Tracy Sisson Slade Group Andrew Slutzkin Graham & Annette Smorgon Julie Somers Yvonne Spence Neil Spitzer Spotlight St George Bank QLD Matthew Starick Franciou Stasios Steinepreis Paganin Grant & Terri Stephenson Craig Stevens Ellen Steward Grant & Dianne Stewart Matthew Sun Danielle & Ari Suss Thomas Sutton T Juliette Tait Daniel Talia
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Tatt's Group TCB Car Tinting Terumo Corporation The Baxter Family Foundation The Boston Consulting Group The Flew Foundation The Good Guys Foundation Evan Thornley & Tracey Ellery Greg & Ruth Toland Treasury Casino & Hotel Chris Tsakmakis Jo Tsakmakis Mitchell & Elizabeth Turner Turner & Townsend Turner International Australia U UBS Wealth Management Australia V Alasdair Vance
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W Ian Walker Paula Wardynski Warner Brother Entertainment Australia Gary West West Coast Hi Fi Western Union Business Solutions Westpac Mary Whinney Tom & Sarah Whinney Leah White Amanda Whitehouse Kristen Whittle Christine Wilcox Kim Williams Wingate Group Roy Winning David Winterbottom Worldmark Mike Wright Y Peter Yates Jason Yeap & Min Lee Wong Edward & Mandy Yencken
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*Donations of $500 or more are listed.
In celebration of Alexis Chrapot's 1st Birthday Jordana Borensztajn Jack & Anna Chrapot David & Tahli Engel Morry Frenkel Tomer & Emily Gian Daina Jackman Lera Kirszbaum Louis & Evelyn Kirszbaum Brett & Lisa Lewis Ashley & Rachel Lewis Dean & Kate Mohr Warren & Natasha Mymin Lauren & Adam Norich Riva Rosenbaum Joshua & Hayley Rynderman Grant & Toni Samuel Rodney & Ann Smorgon David & Jordanna Swiatlo Diego & Chloe Sztejman In celebration of Ann Smorgon's Birthday Susan Auster Shirley Bialek F & Malva Bottari Jack & Anna Chrapot Z & Belinda Friedman Leigh & Yvonne Goldbloom Penny Harris Denise Isaacs Daina Jackman Helene Jedwarb Tom & Lorelle Krulis Helen Kutner Barbara Landau Stanley & Helen Mohr Sandra Morely Maxwell & Debra Olenski Hedy Ritterman Yola Rose Annette Rosen Riva Rosenbaum Shirley & L Rutman In celebration of Ariane Barker's 40th birthday Namalka & Saminder Arambewala Kim Barry Mim Bartlett Empire Financial Management Group Bernadette & Robert Fitzgerald Susan Houlihan Stanley Stavros & Marisa Leone Alice Noonan Chris Plummer Anthony Poynton Nathan & Dahlia Sable Steven & Lousje Skala Steven Small Louis Svoboda Greg & Ruth Toland In celebration of Jeremy Bassat's Barmitzvah Sam & Ruth Alter
Arndt Ralph Charmaine & Clive Bacon Susie & Michael Balint Stewart & Natalie Baron Paul & Sharon Bassat Bob & Nina Bassat Tony & Kate Beaconsfield Albert Bentata Aviva & Joe Bentata Emma Berg G & N Berlinski Joyce Binstock Daisy & Leo Bloumis Andrew & Lisa Breckler Barry & Emily Brott Ashley & Mandi Browne Ashley & Jackie Brygel Nathan & Adrienne Buchner Jade Carp Brandon & Nicky Carp Steven Casper & Ilana Wald Russell & Louise Casper Tammy Cohen Richard & Danielle Davies Carlo & Roz De Bortoli Peter & Monica Edwards Mitchell & Caity Faiman Sam & Rita Fink Sylvia & Phil Forshaw David & Amanda Fried T & N Friedman Joe & Zita Gersh Nigel & Leora Givoni Gideon Goldberg Jeremy & Nicole Goldman Cassie Gostin Ron & Jo Gostin Jeff & Clare Greenberg Wolfe & Francine Groch Larry & Stacy Hayman Brendan & Kim Hayman Mark & Romy Hendel Michael & Vanessa Herskope Antony Holt PI & NM Horovitz Jeff Hunt & Monique Leventer Alon Jacks David & Amelia Janover Rebecca Judowski Myra & Aaron Kalinski Shelly & Brad Karp Jeffrey & Lola Kaye Lisa & Richard Kennett Tara Kiven Sharon & Steven Klein Ann & David Klein Emily Klooger Harold & Joanne Krawitz Wayne & Galit Krongold Madeleine Lambert Jason Lenga Richard Leventer Wayne & Toby Levy Justin Liberman & Lisa Farber Lisa & Steven Lipshut Darren & Sasha Lipton Ronnie & Francis Lowe John & Goldie Lowe David & Judy Machet
Macquarie Group Foundation Ashley Kausman & Lisa Mann Gideon Meltzer Bailey Melzak Derek Miller Mark & Sidra Moshinsky R & N Moshinsky Jasmine Nadelman Roberta & Michael Okun Ari & Tracie Olcha Michael Osborne Jessie Osrin Daniel & Leanne Peer Gary & Stacy Pianko Dean & Richelle Poswell Joe Powell Solly & Sharon Rabinowicz Shana Redman Caroline Rheuben Matthew & Julia Rockman Janie & Martin Rose Nicole Rosenberg Noah Rosham Marshall & Sharon Rushford Gina Saben Jett Samuels Jeremy & Marika Shapiro Mark Shapiro Keith & Rachel Silverman Denise Simon Barry Singer Tatum Spicer Brenda Steinberg Colette Strum Jonny & Frieda Teicher Barry & Mandie Teperman Evan Thornley & Tracey Ellery Gavin & Lisa Trakman Gary J Velleman Bradley Waislitz Elana Warson Mark Waters Jonathan & Simone Wenig Tom & Helen Wodak In celebration of Joe Boltin's 90th Birthday Peter & Rosie Hersch In celebration of Connie Cocorocchio Rebecca Koutsoumidis In celebration of Cara Davies' Bat Mitzvah Paul & Sharon Bassat Tony & Kate Beaconsfield Bellmar Holdings Larry & Sally Benge G & N Berlinski Richard & Lisa Bloom Rodney & Vanessa Brott Anthony & Jackie Bursztyn D & H Burt Michael & Emma Carp Barry & Suzi Carp Robert & Glenda Davies Matthew & Melissa Davies
Mathew & Susie Eady Peter & Monica Edwards Mitchell & Caity Faiman S J & J Fox T & N Friedman H Frydenberg L & N Gandler D Goldenfein Gretchen Grodski Berni & Melma Hamersfeld Sandra Jacoel John Berg Carolyn Jolson Simon & Julia Kessel Genevieve Kleytman Kolber & Jacobson Dentistry Pty Ltd Larry & Sophie Kornhauser Wayne & Galit Krongold Adam & Regina Levine Shana Levine Peter & Alla Lew Bori & Helen Liberman David & Dot Liberman Darren & Sasha Lipton Shai Malka Ashley Kausman & Lisa Mann D & R McKnight Gideon Meltzer Quentin & Amanda Miller Mark & Sidra Moshinsky Ella Naiditch Justin Negri & Simmonne Neil H New Ilana Nissen Victor & Judy Pack Gary Peer Holly Picker Ron & Jacqueline Pila Connor Riordan Martin & Janie Rose Mark & Sharon Roseman H & V Rosenberg Emma Rosenberg Emily & Sonney Roth Sax International Ronnie & Ofer Sayag Carla Sher David & Kathie Smorgon Dean & Ellie Smorgon R Sofer Joanne Star Mark Swiatlo Tamanda Barry & Mandie Teperman Gavin & Lisa Trakman Gary J Velleman Maya Wagner Phillip & Gaye Weeden Steven & Jacquie Worth Shay & Anna Zayontz In celebration of Harriet Gallagher's 1st birthday Peter & Marilyn Cotter In celebration of Sunita & Mahendra Goyal's 60th Birthdays Virendra Kothari
In celebration of Jack Fraid's Bar Mitzvah D and N Altman Theo & Marie Barlabas Dean Berry Vicki Bild Phillip & Vivien Brass L & G Braun S & P Callis L Class Michael Czarny Lucia Damian Kim & Peter De Winter Tomer & Rina Diamond S and S Donath N and S Dryzun Barry Duke Evelyn Field R & N Fink Vincent & Jacqui Flynn Jack Fraid R & J Fulop Rachel Gallor Jonathan & Kelly Gelfand Greg & Jenny Goodman Joe & Pesa Gottlieb Tom Hellinger Hylton & Michelle Hodes PI & NM Horovitz Gaby & Roni Hubay Leora Jacks Adam Jankelowitz Simone Judowski David & Rachel Kraus Harold & Joanne Krawitz Margarita and Sasha Krivitsky Haviva Lederman Harvery & Jeanetter Lewis A & G Lillo Lils Cuisine Catering Pty Ltd Michael & Keren Ludski Heidi Meyerson Eli & Tamara Nossbaum Jessica Oslin Michael & Natasha Pahoff David & Sonia Payes Daniel & Leanne Peer D and M Pinkus Dean & Richelle Poswell Lance Rosen Hank Rosen Emma Rosenberg Avi & Ilana Rothschild-Penso D & F Rotstein Rubinstein Daniel & Sandi Sable Alec Sachs P & S Schwartz M & L Shatter A & S Shenker Ron & Caroline Sher A and H Smithson Ricky & Amanda Smorgon Robert Spilkin Maurie & Vivien Stang Lionel Steinberg Ron & Sandra Sutton Michael Szuster David & Helen Thorn Boris & Irene Tsun Geoff Turner Eric & Jan Upton
Menachem & Shoshi Vorchheimer R & P Weinman P & M Wise M & L Woolfson Howard & Shoshi Zeimer Peter & Lizzie Zvedeniuk In celebration of Rosie & Peter Hersch's 40th Wedding Anniversary Heidi Bloom D Fantl Chana Gdanski J Gerschman Peter & Rosie Hersch Paul Jackson-Park Silvana Layton D Liner Rae Sedergreen Joana Weingart Vivien Wertkin Virendra Kothari In celebration of a party at Marian & Lionel Krongold's home Stephen & Betty Briggs Bernard & Helen Carp Barry & Kaye Fink Leigh & Yvonne Goldbloom Jeffrey & Helen Mahemoff In celebration of Joan Lefroy's birthday John & Adrian Quilter Annette Rowlands In celebration of Harry Payne Fiona Handbury-Payne Lindsay Leung In celebration of Grant Stewart's 60th Birthday Andrew & Fay Bail Kirsty Drill Melanie Eddy Brigitte Moore Diane Symons Marion Whatley Sue Whetton In celebration of the birth of Evie Mae Weiss Ake Australia E Alden O G & E Ash Catherine Blythe Simone Bretman Bernard Davis R Davis Joe Faber S Goldman D & R Goldsmith Rachel Goldstein U Goodman J & J Ketko Mary Klein Kay Libson E & D Libson Ziva Lieblich
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T S Mrocki J & K Nevezie Davina Pasmanik S Reizer N & H Reizer Barbara Rimer Hannah Risman RR Rosenbaum Maurice Rotblat Kerry Roy B R Schwartz Eran Sion Olga Sztainbok Lillian Tarry D Tepper Gabor Ujvari R and P Urban Anna Weiss Max & Raewyn Zelcer In celebration of the Bruce Lefroy Centre Brian Hartzer Elizabeth Jones Caroline Travers In celebration of Melma's 70th Birthday Carol Casper
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In memory of Jeanie Anderson Tony & Valerie Bennett L Gordon International Order of Freemasonry Le Droit Humain Anne Jones In memory of Jake Bond Joe & Linda Faralla In memory of Joshua Timothy Brabazon Heather Gorham Catriona May Adam & Marie O'Brien Maggy Samaan Chris Scott Richard Skaife Gavin & Jenny Stone In memory of baby Thomasina Brasier David Ashman Sandy Chamberlin Susanne Clarke Greg & Cheryl Fitzpatrick Sharon Harris Claire Larkin Sam McGee Laurel McInnes Felicity McMahon Diane Milosavljevic Starlight Children's Foundation Ms Bernadette Wright Your Land Developments
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In memory of Oliver Aurelius Bryce Shaun Butler
In memory of Pema Davis-Gibbons Brendan Davis-Gibbons Bruce & Robyn Gibbons Jill Saunders In memory of Margaret Farrell Murray Farrell In memory of Ruben Fried Spotlight Charitable Foundation In memory of James Hansen – Naarden Susan Barrack Heather Burdon John & C Collingwood Alicia Dole Jacqui Dubs Mark Fradkin Matthew Gilmour Clare Gleeson-McGuire Louise Hansen Hansen Yuncken Anthea & Justin Hill Samantha & Ian Huddle Lian Huddle Digby Looker Edwina McDermott My Estimator Sam Schwarz Jenny Shelmerdine Danielle Surwald Catherine Sutcliffe Kelly Warner Charlotte Whittle In memory of Tommi Knight Isabelle Oderberg In memory of Shaun Nicholas Martin Ken & Irene Redman In memory of Robert Mohr Dean & Kate Mohr In memory of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE Edna Addems Roger Ailes Maggie Aldred Danielle Amer Jesse Angelo Jacqueline Ashcroft Robyn Barlow David Bednall Marc Besen & Eva Besen Matthew Brown Celia Browne Michael Browne Lisa Butcher Russell Canham Julie-Anne Carbon Neil Cavuto Ann Chan Jeanie Chan
John & C Collingwood Rosemary Congram Lynette & Laurie Da Costa Janet Demirtzoglou Martin Dittmar Michael Egan Margery Embury Mitchell Frew Nicholas Fry David Fuller Alex & Elizabeth Furman Elisabeth Giddy Gay Glover Rebecca Godsell Danielle Goldsmith Daniel Goodfellow John Gough Peter Graham Christopher Griffin Sarah Guest Michael Hayden Judi Holgate Louise Holgate Davell M Hutchinson Cliff Ings Sara Janovskis Marjorie Jeffares Mr & Mrs Jenkinson Alyssa Jones Debra Kelly Barbara Kinnersly Judy Laterza Jay Lee Changle Liu Hogan Lovells William & Sue Ludge Susanna Mason Judy Mataer Cliff & Molly Maughan Paul McGraw Alexandra McSwiney Bernadette Merrin Nigel & Diana Morgan Irene Mullens Sandra Murray Vanessa Musgrove Camilla Napoli News Limited Sze Ooi James & Erica Packer Vanessa M W Payne Naomi Peters Phoenix Satellite Television Holdings Nancy Porto Elizabeth S Powell Patrick & Maureen Purcell Janice Quayle Stephen Rebikoff Sheena Reilly Greg Reinhardt Catherine Rice Gayle Roberts Kerryn Rozenbergs Claire Russell Marjorie Russell Chris Sgourakis Ken Sleep Chris Smith John & Yvonne Smith Mr & Mrs Stephen Smith Evan Spurway
Leila Stecher Jadie Teoh The Willaura Quilter Friends Jodie Thurley Renee Tigges Barbara Utting Paula Wardynski Wendy Watson Amanda Williams Maria Wilton Nuala Wiltshire Gavan Woinarski Peter Yates Basil Yum Stephanie Zappala Bryant In memory of Robert M McAlister Arthur Lefas Rose Vallese In memory of Indiana Orlando Ross & Judith Gardner In memory of Matthew Paikos Maria Paikos Arthur & Heather Paikos In memory of Emma Ritchie Sue Ritchie In memory of Laura Jane Tynan LJM Installations & Maintenance In memory of Clementine Whinney Tom & Sarah Whinney Mary Whinney In memory of Maximilian White Leah White
TOMORROW’S CURES NEED YOUR DONATIONS TODAY You have the power to help the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute save kids’ lives. With your support, our researchers can continue to discover cures for conditions including diabetes, cancer, allergies, premature birth, obesity and genetic conditions. Donate today. Phone 1300 766 439 or visit www.mcri.edu.au
Thank you to the following organisations which generously assisted in the production of this report.
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Edited by Simone Myers & Alex Furman (pr@mcri.edu.au) The text of this Annual Report is printed on Spicers Pacesetter 148 gsm and the cover on Spicers Pacesetter Satin 350 gsm
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annual report