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The Evolution of the Curtin Medical Research Institute

The journey of the Curtin Medical Research Institute (Curtin MRI)  is a testament to Curtin University’s unwavering commitment to health education, clinical practice, and groundbreaking research. From its origins as WAIT to its current status as a global leader in health sciences, Curtin continues to shape the future of medical research and healthcare innovation in Australia and beyond.

1900
Perth Technical School opens

Perth Technical School opens

Curtin MRI has its roots deeply embedded in the rich history of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Curtin University. This journey began in the early 1900s. test

1950
School of Physiotherapy established 
at Royal Perth Hospital

1966

School of Physiotherapy established 
at Royal Perth Hospital

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1960
School of Occupational Therapy 
established at Royal Perth Hospital

School of Occupational Therapy 
established at Royal Perth Hospital

WAIT officially opens at Bentley

1966

WAIT officially opens at Bentley

WAIT’s first intake of students includes pharmacy as an inaugural discipline

1967

WAIT’s first intake of students includes pharmacy as an inaugural discipline

Curtin’s legacy in health sciences education began with pharmacy as one of its inaugural disciplines. Prior to this the School of Occupational Therapy operated under Royal Perth Hospital.

1969

Schools of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy merge with WAIT, forming the Department of Therapy.

1970

1970

The merger with WAIT to form the Department of Therapy, later expanded into the School of Health Sciences in 1973.

School of Health Sciences officially established

1973

School of Health Sciences officially established

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Faculty of Health Sciences experienced rapid growth.

First nursing students enrolled.

1975

First nursing students enrolled.

1979

First nursing graduates complete their degrees.

1980
WAIT becomes Curtin University of Technology

1987

WAIT becomes Curtin University of Technology

The transition from WAIT to Curtin University of Technology marked the beginning of the  transformation into Curtin becoming a research powerhouse in health sciences and medical research.

1990
WA Biomedical Research Institute (WABRI) established.

1999

WA Biomedical Research Institute (WABRI) established.

The transition to a research University started with the establishment of WABRI and Curtin’s Division of Health Sciences had broadened to include biomedical sciences, community health, psychology, pharmacy, and speech and hearing sciences.

Collaboration between Curtin and Murdoch University

1999

Collaboration between Curtin and Murdoch University

A major milestone in this transformation was the establishment of the WA Biomedical Research Institute was a collaboration between Curtin and Murdoch University, supported by $1 million in state funding.

2000
School of Biomedical Sciences and School of Pharmacy play key roles in WABRI

2001

School of Biomedical Sciences and School of Pharmacy play key roles in WABRI

Under the leadership of Vice-Chancellors John Maloney and Lance Twomey in the 1990s and 2000s, Curtin transitioned into a research-intensive university.

Curtin had over 31,000 students, with female enrolments

2001

Curtin had over 31,000 students, with female enrolments

By 2001, female students increased to 54%. 
A dramatic shift from the early years when women constituted just a quarter of the student body.

Curtin joins Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre with 
$8 million in funding

2004

Curtin joins Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre with 
$8 million in funding

Curtin further strengthened its research capabilities by securing external funding for Emerging Infectious Diseases, engaging in critical research across epidemiology, microbiology, molecular biology, and nano chemistry.

Proposal for CHIRI developed

2007

Proposal for CHIRI developed

The vision for Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI) was drafted, aiming to create an interdisciplinary research hub focused on addressing key regional and national health challenges.

CHIRI officially named

2008

CHIRI officially named

Officially named in 2008, CHIRI became a reality in 2012 when it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Julia Gillard following a $35 million investment. The institute rapidly became a centre for excellence in biomedical research, clinical practice, and education.

Curtin Medical School and Expansion of Health Sciences

2009

Curtin Medical School and Expansion of Health Sciences

To support this growing focus on medical education, Curtin expanded its health sciences infrastructure, opening the Curtin Midland campus.

2010
CHIRI opens, inaugurated by Prime Minister Julia Gillard

2012

CHIRI opens, inaugurated by Prime Minister Julia Gillard

Curtin School of Nursing celebrates its 
40th anniversary

2014

Curtin School of Nursing celebrates its 
40th anniversary

Curtin Medical School opens and the establishment of CMRI

2017

Curtin Medical School opens and the establishment of CMRI

First cohort of medical students enrolled.

Curtin Midland campus opens for health sciences students

2019

Curtin Midland campus opens for health sciences students

To support this growing focus on medical education, Curtin expanded its health sciences infrastructure, opening the Curtin Midland campus.

2020
First cohort of Curtin Medical School graduates complete their MBBS degrees

2021

First cohort of Curtin Medical School graduates complete their MBBS degrees

53 medical students graduated. Curtin celebrated the graduation of its first Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students.

Kalgoorlie Rural Health Campus opens

2021

Kalgoorlie Rural Health Campus opens

To support this growing focus on medical education, Curtin expanded its health sciences infrastructure, opening the Curtin the Kalgoorlie Rural Health Campus.

Curtin Medical School intake increases to 120 students

2022

Curtin Medical School intake increases to 120 students

By 2022, the Curtin Medical School had doubled its intake to 120 students, including 10 international placements.

Proposal to re brand CHIRI to Curtin MRI

2024

Proposal to re brand CHIRI to Curtin MRI

Recognising the institute’s evolving role in medical research and innovation, Curtin commences the proposal to re brand the institute to Curtin Medical Research Institute. This transition reflects Curtin’s strategic commitment to advancing medical research and strengthening its position as a leader in health sciences.

Curtin MRI Relaunched and re branded

2025

Curtin MRI Relaunched and re branded

January 2025 was the soft launch of the re branding of the institute from CHIRI to Curtin MRI