Celebrating the progress of our Clinician Researcher Fellows

Last year marked the inaugural launch of the Kids Research Clinician Researcher Fellowship program, kindly supported by the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation. We are delighted to present our first six-month impact report, highlighting some of our Fellow’s progress and achievements to date.

Kids Advanced Therapeutics Program nominated at NSW Health Awards

Our nationally leading Kids Advanced Therapeutics (KAT) program was nominated as a Health Research Award finalist in the 2025 NSW Health Awards.

As a recognised national leader in advanced therapeutics trials and translation, the KAT program provides children with serious and complex conditions access to emerging and potentially life‑changing treatments. The program has driven clinical innovation through evidence‑based healthcare, supporting children who have few or no existing treatment options, ensuring that they benefit from the latest advances in medical science.

Honouring Bruce Bennetts and his legacy in molecular genetics

Clinical Professor Bruce Bennetts started with the Network more than 27 years ago, joining in 1997 as the founding Head of the Department of Molecular Genetics and Principal Scientific Officer. He helped build a service that is now nationally recognised for excellence in diagnostics, innovation, and patient‑centred care.

Under Bruce’s leadership, the molecular genetics program evolved through some of the most significant scientific advancements, including PCR, the Human Genome Project, and next‑generation sequencing. His dedication to newborn screening has transformed early diagnosis for rare genetic conditions and improved outcomes for countless families across NSW and Australia.

Beyond his scientific achievements, Bruce embraced every opportunity to support the community. A memorable highlight was his fundraising trek through the Everest region, proudly carrying the hospital's 'Bandaged Bear' and climbing Island Peak.

As he moves into retirement, with plans for beekeeping, hiking, and more time with family, we celebrate the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind. Bruce’s vision, compassion, and commitment have shaped our team and elevated our services for children and families.

Celebrating Marilyn Cruickshank's eight years of nursing research leadership

With Professor Marilyn Cruickshank bidding our Network farewell after eight years, we recognise the extraordinary contributions she has made to nursing research leadership.

Under Professor Cruickshank’s stewardship, the Nursing Research Unit (NRU) has delivered excellence in advancing nursing-led research, fostering clinical scholarship, mentoring emerging leaders, and driving professional development across the Network.

In 2024, Professor Cruickshank was inducted into the Sigma Global Nursing Excellence International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame, joining an elite group of fewer than 300 researchers recognised for their sustained national or international impact and contributions to advancing nursing and patient care.

We extend our best wishes to Marilyn as she embarks on her next chapter, with gratitude for the legacy she leaves behind.

Awards and honours

• GeneEQUAL program was awarded People's Choice Award at the 2025 AccessCR Australian Consumer Partnerships in Research Awards.

  

• Feelings Program was awarded Judge's Choice Award at the 2025 AccessCR Australian Consumer Partnerships in Research Awards.
• Elle Farley, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Kids Neuro Trials, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, was announced the winner of the Tuberous Sclerosis Australia 2025 Elizabeth Pinkerton Memorial Award. She was nominated by parents of children living with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC).
• Dr Sarah Ellis, Clinical Psychologist and Postdoctural research fellow at the Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, was awarded the 2025 Phyllis Butow New Investigator Award in Psycho-Oncology.
• Prof Louise Baur, Consultant Paediatrician, Obesity Research at Kids Research, was recognised as global obesity expert in The Lancet.
• Prof Fabienne Brilot-Turville, Brain Autoimmunity Group Head, part of the Kids Neuroscience Centre at Kids Research was elected General Secretary of the International Society of Neuroimmunology (ISNI), and Executive Committee Member.
• Prof David Zeigler, Paediatric Oncologist at the Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, was announced as a fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS).
• Erica Tsang, Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian at The Children's Hospital at Westmead, was awarded Best Presentation at the 9th Global Ketogenic Symposium in Paris.

  

• Prof Russell Dale, Paediatric Neurologist, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, part of the Kids Neuroscience Centre at Kids Research, was recognised on Clarivate's Highly Cited Researchers list.
• Dr Magdalena Lerch, Postdoctoral Scientist, part of the Kids Neuroscience Centre at Kids Research, was awarded the Theodor Körner Prize for Science.
• Dr Kayla Cornett, Neuropathy Research Lead, part of the Kids Neuroscience Centre at Kids Research, was awarded the Jonathan Pembroke Prize at the Peripheral Nerve Society Meeting in Edinburgh.