Implementing a comprehensive, evidence-based model for treating children and adolescents with concussion

Concussion accounts for up to 90% of all paediatric emergency presentations with a head injury. These head strikes may result in post-concussion symptoms, such as balance impairment, somatic and/or emotional symptoms, cognitive impairment, fatigue and sleep disturbances. Research shows that most affected children recover spontaneously, with symptoms resolving within 2-4 weeks.

Campus Mental Health Strategy: How mental health is your business

From 2021-2026, the Melbourne Children’s Campus Mental Health Strategy has lived and breathed the key message: “mental health is everyone’s business”. A part of our mission was to change conversations across campus about mental health and wellbeing, drawing on all kinds of expertise. Whether it was researchers, educators, clinicians, support staff, or the voices of people with lived and living experience, including children, young people, and families.

International Women’s Day 2026: Balance the Scales

Please join us for a thought-provoking International Women’s Day (IWD) Grand Round panel discussion with four exceptional women. As we continue to strive for gender equality and economic empowerment for women and girls, we will explore how best to invest in women and promote women in leadership, taking into account the impacts of the pandemic, with a focus on storytelling and learning from each other.

From rotavirus discovery to development of the RV3-BB vaccine to prevent rotavirus disease in babies from birth

The discovery of rotavirus as the most common cause of acute dehydrating diarrhea at the Royal Children’s Hospital and University of Melbourne in 1973 provided hope for prevention of a major cause of death in young children worldwide. Building from this discovery, MCRI researchers have dedicated 5 decades to understanding the rotavirus and to the development and implementation of rotavirus vaccines.

Behaviours of concern: An innovative wraparound approach

Children with developmental disabilities often present to hospital with behaviours of concern, creating complex challenges for emergency departments, inpatient units, and community teams. These behavioural crises can be distressing for patients, families and staff, and can strain hospital resources – yet they also offer powerful opportunities for system change.

Adaptive platform trials for rare disease populations

BANDICOOT is an international adaptive platform trial (APT) designed to identify effective therapies that improve health outcomes for critically ill children receiving a haematopoetic stem cell transplant (HCT). Building
on extensive engagement with patients, their parents, and clinicians, we will launch 3 trial domains focused on exercise, nutritional supplementation, and the gut microbiome

To prevent the unpredictable

Mental health risk assessments have always been a challenge, even for the most experienced clinicians. Risk assessment involves understanding not just the severity of the reported symptoms but the underlying motivations and the psychosocial circumstances. 

NAIDOC Week — The Next Generation: Strength, Vision, and Legacy

This year’s NAIDOC theme is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision, and Legacy. Drawing on these words, Commissioner Meena Singh will discuss her work at the Commission for Children and Young People, the importance of hearing and acting upon the voices of Aboriginal children and young people, and how ensuring their safety, and supporting their growth, means we are investing in our future.