For thirty-five years, a Perth-based research institute has been quietly revolutionising paediatric healthcare, creating lasting impact for children and families across Western Australia and around the world.
The Kids Research Institute Australia was founded with a clear vision: to enhance the health and development of every child through world-class research. Now, celebrating its 35th anniversary, that vision has materialised into a profound legacy of medical innovation and improved quality of life.
Revolutionising Type 1 Diabetes Management
Life for a child with Type 1 diabetes was once defined by daily, painful insulin injections and limited freedom. Researchers at The Kids' Rio Tinto Children’s Diabetes Centre were instrumental in championing the use of insulin pumps for children, ensuring this transformative technology is available to every young West Australian in need.
Their critical work identified the causes of hypoglycaemic seizures in children with diabetes and, most importantly, developed methods to prevent them. Today, through the widespread adoption of insulin pump therapy and continuous innovation, kids with Type 1 diabetes are experiencing safer, more active, and significantly more independent lives.
Quinn Crouch received her diagnosis at just 19 months old. Her mother, Kaitlyn, considers their family fortunate because Quinn, like all newly diagnosed children in WA, received access to the best insulin delivery technology completely free of charge.
"There is no good way for your child to become sick, especially with a condition as life-changing as type 1 diabetes, but we’ve had the best experience, and so much support," Kaitlyn said.
A Nation-Leading Shield Against RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) ranks among the most frequent and severe causes of hospitalisation for infants and young children. For a quarter of a century, scientists from The Kids' Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases have collaborated on a global mission to create a safe and effective RSV vaccine.
Their modelling research provided the pivotal evidence required to back Western Australia's groundbreaking RSV immunisation program, which launched in April 2024. This initiative provided vital protection for 28,000 babies during the last winter season, reaching an impressive 80 per cent of all newborns in the state.
Jimmy Anderson contracted RSV when he was only five months old. His father, Ian, described the ordeal as horrific, watching his infant son struggle to breathe while a medical team fought to save him. "It’s amazing knowing there is now a vaccine that can help other families not be exposed to the trauma we went through," he said.
Empowering Young Lives with Autism
For families navigating an autism diagnosis, early intervention is crucial. Just three years ago, 11-year-old Jake Saunders would experience uncontrollable nerves before school sports and severe meltdowns after losing a game.
Today, after his family participated in a group program at CliniKids—The Kids' autism therapy and support service—Jake has learned strategies to manage his anxiety. He now competes at a State level in Little Athletics and is comfortable with both winning and losing.
His mother, Caroline, credits the parent-focused program for this dramatic change. "If it hadn’t been for the program, learning how to support him, I don’t think I would have had the tools or the energy to help him pursue Little Athletics," she explained.
Based in Perth, The Kids Research Institute Australia continues to stand as one of the nation's premier child health research organisations, dedicated to turning world-class research into tangible, real-world benefits for children and families across the globe.
