Our Charity

OUR MISSION

The Children's Medical Research Institute is an independent research centre which focuses exclusively on fundamental research into human development.

This involves the study of the progressive changes in our body cells from the time of conception when the genetic basis for our biological future is determined. It is during this early development that faults may occur which are either imprinted genetically or are the result of environmental hazards. If we can determine how and why these faults occur, it may be possible to either correct or modify their effects.

Many diseases that also affect adults, such as cancer and vascular disease, have similar basic origins. Our research, therefore, has enormous implications for the future health care of every man, woman and child in the nation.

The CMRI is part of a worldwide scientific community working in partnership with the same vision of better health for all children and adults.

The singular aim of research at the CMRI is to advance the prevention and treatment of disease.

WE ARE PIONEERS IN BIOMEDICAL GENETIC RESEARCH

The Children's Medical Research Institute is one of the nation's leading research centres. . The CMRI is also trustee of the original CMRF endowment fund which was established in 1958 and marked the beginning of a new era for scientific research. It put Australia on the world map as a pioneer in paediatric research, and later in genetic biomedical research.

SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS

• We established Australia's first research unit for new born babies, dramatically improving the survival rate of premature babies.
• We helped develop the paediatric heart and lung life support machine.
• We pioneered the development of microsurgery techniques.
• Our Gene Therapy program with its potential to repair damaged hearts.
• We are currently making worldwide advances in a better understanding of cancer, having discovered the ALT mechanism by which normal cells learn to become “immortal” leading to uncontrolled division which characterizes all cancers, as well as discovering the molecular components of telomerase, an enzyme that 85% of cancers depend on for their continued growth.
• Our Embryology Unit is a world leader in the area known as “fate mapping” (mapping the very early stages of development of the embryo) which is already leading to greater understandings of cleft palate and Rett syndrome.
• We are developing revolutionary treatments for schizophrenia, epilepsy and nemaline myopathy

COST FACTORS

In contrast to most research institutions, donations to the CMRI may be invested in perpetuity with the income generated being used to support the research programmes. This fund has been built up over many years since inception in 1958 through donations, bequests, the support of many voluntary fundraising committees and our Jeans for Genes® Day, and has ensured the long term viability of the research programmes with guaranteed income being made available year after year. The CMRI may also apply donated funds directly to research, in order to supplement investment income and funds received from competitive grants awarded to the Institute’s researchers from outside funding bodies such as the National Health and Medical Research Council. The continued success of our scientists in obtaining significant grants from external granting bodies is a tribute to the quality of the research projects submitted. Over the last 3 years, the CMRI was successful with 90% of all its submissions to the NHMRC compared to the national average of less than 22%.

At present the CMRI employs over 130 research and ancillary staff in its state of the art research facility at Westmead. The CMRI is part of a worldwide scientific community working in partnership with the same vision of better health for all children.

The singular aim of research at the CMRI is to advance the prevention and treatment of disease, especially in children.

Each of the CMRI's existing research areas cost around $800,000 per annum to maintain. There are many opportunities for sponsors and supporters to contribute to the vital funding of the CMRI, and a variety of naming rights for major donations towards:

• Establishment of a new research unit ($500,000)
• Scaling up existing areas of research (from $150,000 pa)
• Fellowships and scholarships ($15,000 to $150,000 pa)
• Visiting professorships and research fellows from overseas ($10,000 to $50,000)
• Travelling scholarships (from $5,000)
• Purchase of specific high tech equipment ($50,000 to $1M)
• Sponsorships to underwrite some of the costs of the CMRI’s annual Jeans for Genes Auction and Day, and general fundraising activities eg. printing, telecommunications, promotions etc.

We believe in matching commitment for commitment and when you accept the challenge of supporting our vital work, our commitment to you includes the opportunity for a genuine, life-long partnership in our work.

We would encourage you to maintain close links with our research and the life of our Institute at official occasions, as well as visiting us from time to time so we can report on the progress of the areas of research to which you have contributed.

The Children's Medical Research Institute was built on loyal relationships such as these. By joining with us at this vital moment in our history, you will help reshape the future directions of this great Australian Institute - and your contribution will have a lasting impact on the nation today...and on future generations of Australians.

In the end, it could well fund a research project which has the potential to impact on all humanity.

30% of all sale proceeds are donated by Foster Lee to the CMRI