join now

The Birgit Munro Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Birgit Munro Memorial Trust was established in 1995 to honour the memory of Birgit Munro, a renal nurse who died in 1992, aged 36, after a sudden illness. Birgit began her renal nursing career early in the 1980s at Prince Henry's Hospital in Melbourne, as a peritoneal dialysis nurse. Her skills in nursing, and her commitment to patient care, resulted in her appointment just over a year later, to the position of nurse in charge of the Peritoneal Dialysis Unit. She was an active member of local renal nursing groups including President of Victorian branch of RSA in 1986, and secretary of the Victorian ANF Renal Special Interest Group from 1989 until her death.

In 1986, Birgit was the recipient of the prestigious Hoadley Scholarship, awarded annually to a staff member of Prince Henry's Hospital. This scholarship enabled her to travel to Europe to study new developments in peritoneal dialysis. Following the closure of Prince Henry's, Birgit continued her renal nursing career at Monash Medical Centre.

Birgit wrote many scientific papers, and was a regular presenter at conferences, receiving awards for several of her presentations. She was elected to the Council of the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis, as the nursing representative of all peritoneal dialysis units in the world. 

For 30 years, the Birgit Munro Memorial Trust awarded $20,000 worth of scholarships to 39 RSA members to further their research projects, visit centres of excellence in renal care and present at renal conferences. In 2025, by mutual agreement between the RSA and the Trustees, the Trust was closed, and the final funds will be used for the Birgit Munro Oration session at the RSA's annual conference in Melbourne. Birgit's legacy will continue to be honoured with RSA's Award for Dedication to Practice Advancement and Innovation being renamed to the Birgit Munro Award.

Learn more about Birgit Munro.