Around half the diseases in the world have no treatment, and 1 in 20 children is born with a congenital abnormality or genetic disease. Finding cures for these diseases takes many years of intricate research.

The majority of the research undertaken at Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) is conducted in cells grown in the laboratory. However, after many years of researching scientific theories in cells, the Institute’s discoveries may reach a stage where studies need to be conducted in living systems, specifically rats and mice.

Animals at CMRI are used solely for the purpose of researching human health, development and illness with the aim of finding effective treatments and preventions for childhood diseases. Many therapies and medicines would not be available today without research in living systems.

CMRI policy on the care of animals in research complies with the stringent code set by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

Staff:

• Shelley Dimech, BioResources Lead
• Mehtap Baserdem Animal Technician
• Vanessa Scott Animal Technician
• Annabella Perakis Animal Technician