$2 million towards the Victorian Paediatric Clinical Trials Network

It was announced at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute’s (MCRI) 40th Anniversary Gala that a new statewide initiative will strengthen access to paediatric clinical trials across Victoria.
The Victorian Paediatric Clinical Trials Network (VPCTN), led by MCRI in collaboration with the Monash Children’s Clinical Trial Centre and Barwon Health, is supported by a $2 million investment from the Victorian Government. The network aims to position Victoria as a national leader in paediatric trials while improving access to cutting‑edge treatments for children closer to home.

By bringing together trial sites and expertise across the state, the VPCTN will streamline processes, improve efficiency and expand participation. Targets include significant increases in vaccine trials, child participation in industry‑sponsored studies, and the number of clinicians involved in paediatric research.

A key feature of the initiative is the development of a ‘One Trial, Many Sites’ model, enabling faster rollout of trials across multiple locations and providing a single point of entry for industry partners. This approach will help families access trials locally while broadening participant diversity.

The network will also prioritise equity, particularly for children in rural, regional and culturally diverse communities, and focus on building a sustainable workforce through training and improved visibility of site capabilities.

This initiative reflects a strong commitment to collaboration, innovation and equitable access, marking an important step forward for paediatric clinical research in Victoria.