In the Department of Pediatrics (DOP), our mission is to advance pediatric research with dedication and compassion through rigorous scientific inquiry, collaboration, and innovation so that we can ensure a brighter future where every child can grow, thrive, and reach their fullest potential. To achieve this mission, we aim to be at the forefront of scientific discovery and innovation, revolutionizing pediatric healthcare globally, through interdisciplinary collaboration, visionary leadership, and a commitment to excellence. With over 240 Principal Investigators within the DOP, exciting discoveries are being made every day, and we are poised to become an international leader in transforming the landscape of research around child health.
With the formalized partnership between Emory and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the pediatric research enterprise has undergone rapid and broad-based expansion in the last fifteen years. With investment from Children’s, the Woodruff Foundation and other philanthropies, we have increased the number of research faculty and greatly expanded our laboratory and clinical research resources. Extramural funding for the Department in 2023 totaled $164M, which ranked Emory in the top 5 among Departments of Pediatrics in the U.S.
We have also developed a strong pediatric research alliance that encompasses Emory, Children’s, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Morehouse School of Medicine. Our research infrastructure consists of 8 thematically-focused Research Centers and 5 supporting cross-disciplinary Centers. This allows our researchers an opportunity to engage in transdisciplinary collaborations within a supportive infrastructure that promotes success. In additional we maintain 8 pediatric specific research cores to support investigators in child health. With some of the largest patient volumes in the country, Children’s provides a unique venue for clinical research in pediatrics.
Our research programs support multiple training opportunities in pediatric research. An NICHD K12 award to the Department of Pediatrics supports laboratory research career development for junior faculty members. Two NIH T32 programs focus on basic science training for clinical and post-doctoral fellows in Gastroenterology and in Hematology. Faculty of the Department currently hold 14 individual NIH K awards for career development in basic or clinical research. Clinical research training for junior faculty is also available through Emory’s CSTA KL2 program.
I invite you to learn more about how pediatric research at Emory’s School of Medicine makes a difference in the health and well-being of children.