35 years of kids’ health research,
THE KIDS RESEARCH INSTITUTE AUSTRALIA
With
Professor Jonathan Carapetis AM,
Paediatrician & Executive Director
The Kids Research Institute Australia
RESEARCH IMPACT
Filmed in Perth, Western Australia | January 2026
The Kids Research Institute Australia is one of the largest and most successful medical research institutes in Australia. The Institute has created a blueprint that brings together community, researchers, practitioners, policy makers and funders, who share our vision to improve the health and wellbeing of children through excellence in research.
The Institute is headed by leading paediatrician and infectious diseases expert Professor Jonathan Carapetis, with Founding Director Professor Fiona Stanley now Patron.
The Kids is independent and not-for-profit. The majority of funding comes from our success in winning national and international competitive research grants. They also receive significant philanthropic support from corporate Australia and the community.
In November 2025, The Kids Research Institute Australia celebrated 35 years of bold ideas, groundbreaking research, and the people who find answers to the big questions about better health outcomes for children and families.
Since his appointment in 2012, Professor Carapetis has guided The Kids through a period of significant scientific achievement, organisational growth, and increased impact — all anchored to the Institute’s vision of ensuring happy, healthy kids.
During his tenure, Professor Carapetis oversaw major advancements in child health research, including discoveries that have influenced policy and practice, such as the recent adoption of RSV vaccinations.
He led the Institute through key milestones including the transition to new headquarters at Perth Children’s Hospital, the development of the Research Reimagined strategic plan, and the creation of a new, fresh brand.
Under Professor Carapetis’ leadership, The Kids strengthened its position as a national leader in child health research, building collaborations across Australia and internationally, supporting researchers and WA families through the COVID-19 pandemic, and driving a culture that has evolved traditional models of research, to accelerate and amplify impact, for children and their families.
Also announced in November 2025, was the news that Professor Carapetis will step down as Executive Director in July 2026, after 14 years of distinguished leadership.
Source: Adapted using The Kids Research Institute Australia news stories
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Investigating invasive lobular carcinoma and metaplastic breast cancer sub-types
Assoc Prof McCart Reed is the scientific lead on an MRFF-funded (Medical Research Future Fund) genomics program investigating the potential for the application of Whole Genome Sequencing in the breast cancer care pathway in Australia, ‘Q-IMPROvE’. She applies genomics and spatial transcriptomics methodologies to archival clinical samples to understand the differences between tumour types and their potential for treatment. Amy is passionate about clinical research, biobanking and precision oncology. In addition to her breast cancer research portfolio, she is on the steering committee for the Brisbane Breast Bank and the Scientific Advisory Board for Breast Cancer Trials.
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Professor Alex Fornito
PROFESSOR ALEX FORNITO
HEAD OF THE BRAIN MAPPING AND MODELLING RESEARCH PROGRAM
TURNER INSTITUTE FOR BRAIN AND MENTAL HEALTH, MONASH UNIVERSITY
VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA -
Corneal and Ocular Surface Immunology and Regeneration
Assoc Professor Holly Chinnery’s career in ocular immunology began with a focus on animal models; however, it has recently transitioned into clinical imaging studies involving human research participants. The ability to visualise the immune system and sensory nerves in the human cornea represents a significant advantage in corneal immunology and neuroimmunology research.
