When a team of Children’s Medical Research Institute scientists take on the notorious Heartbreak Hill in the City2Surf running event this August, they’ll be thinking of the everyday people who have sponsored them to raise funds for the research they dedicate their lives to.

There are 15 runners in Team CMRI and most of them are scientists. These researchers are really walking the walk – stepping up to draw attention to the importance of their work in finding cures for children’s genetic conditions.

Cancer researcher Dr Kate Giles has run the City2Surf several times before and motivated her lab mates to join her. Together they often leave their Westmead lab to train in Parramatta Park at lunch time.

“On a personal level, I also have a child with disabilities, so I understand the challenges families face with ongoing appointments, therapies, and extra care responsibilities,” Kate said. “Knowing that our research contributes to making life better for children and families makes this incredibly meaningful to me.

“I also see firsthand how difficult it can be to secure funding and how important every dollar is. I truly believe in the work we do and know that more support means more research. Knowing that people believe in and support our work makes me want to give my best both in the lab and out on the pavement during City2Surf.”

PhD student Pranav Kataria uses computational methods for understanding complex biological processes and said running for research was a way to connect his work back to its impact.

“Medical research is one of the most important long-term investments we can make. Many of the treatments, diagnostics, and technologies we rely on today only exist because people supported research years before the impact was obvious.

“Knowing that people are willing to contribute to research gives the work a real sense of responsibility and purpose.”

Fellow PhD student Sichang Ding described the event as a “a fun way to give back to the place that supports my research, and even better, to do it alongside my teammates”.

“Because medical research takes time, the breakthroughs we benefit from today exist because people supported the work years ago, and every contribution helps make the next breakthroughs possible. “

Dr Melanie Walter said receiving fundraising support from the public was a good reminder of how fortunate Children’s Medical Research Institute scientists are.

“I feel honoured and grateful that members of the public believe in the work we are doing and want to contribute to it. Their support makes a real difference and helps us continue working towards better treatments and cures.”

If you would like to support these researchers and Team CMRI, you can sponsor them here: 2026 Voltaren City2Surf | Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI)