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Departmental Thematic Research Programs

The purpose of Thematic Research Programs is to encourage researchers to become more involved in interdisciplinary and cooperative research initiatives. These programs encourage physicians and scientists from different domains to cooperate in cutting edge research with their peers throughout the Duke University research community and beyond. 

Research in the Department of Pediatrics is principally defined by the following thematic areas:
 

Departmental Research Programs by Specialty

Biomedical investigators in each of the Divisions within the Department of Pediatrics conduct research, whether through exploring the molecular basis of disease in laboratories, testing new treatments in clinical trials, or identifying factors that promote disease or health in the community. For more information on the many research activities at Duke Pediatrics, select a research area below.
 
  

Alice and Y.T. Chen Center for Genetics and Genomics

In April 2006, Myozyme (recombinant acid alpha-glucosidase) was approved by the FDA for use in patients with Pompe disease, representing the culmination of efforts by YT Chen, MD, PhD, and colleagues to develop a cure for this deadly condition. With the goal of reproducing the bench-to-bedside approach that generated Myozyme and now offers hope for patients with Pompe disease, the Chens made a gift to the Department of Pediatrics to establish the Alice and YT Chen Pediatric Genetics and Genomics Research Center. This initiative focuses on single gene disorders amenable to enzyme replacement therapy or gene therapy.  Priya Kishnani, MD, Chief of the Division of Medical Genetics and the lead investigator in the international clinical trials of Myozyme, serves as the Medical Director of the Center.
 

Jean and George Brumley, Jr. Neonatal Perinatal Research Institute (NPRI)

The Jean and George Brumley, Jr. Neonatal Perinatal Research Institute (NPRI), established in 1997, is dedicated to developmental biology and focuses its research on the serious health problems of newborns. Among the areas of active investigation are the mechanisms of brain, lung and cardiovascular injury and the cellular etiology of birth defects. More>>

 
Pediatric Fungal Network

The multi-center International Pediatric Fungal Network (PFN) was created to gain a complete understanding of the scope and character of pediatric fungal infections in order to improve the care of our patients. The primary mission of the PFN is to increase the knowledge of pediatric invasive fungal infections and discern any undescribed characteristics or outcomes unique to pediatric patients through a coordinated network of scientific investigation.  More>>

Federally Sponsored Research Networks

The Department of Pediatrics participates in a number of federally funded clinical research networks. These networks and their principal investigators are listed below.
 

Federally Sponsored Research Networks
Network Pediatric Principal Investigator

Children's Oncology Group

Susan G. Kreissman, MD
Pediatric Pharmacology Research Unit Daniel Benjamin, MD, MPH, PhD
Pediatric Heart Network Jennifer Li, MD
IMPAACT Group Coleen K. Cunningham, MD
Bone Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network Joanne Kurtzberg, MD
Childhood Arthritis & Rheumatology Laura E. Schanberg, MD
Neonatal Research Network Ronald N. Goldberg, MD
 


 

Global Health Research Initiatives

Faculty in the Department of Pediatrics are involved in a number of global research initiatives facilitated by the Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI). The Duke Global Health Institute is committed to reducing health disparities in the local community and in resource-limited regions of the world. Recognizing that many global health problems arise from economic, social, environmental, political and health care inequalities, DGHI brings together interdisciplinary teams to solve complex health problems and to train the next generation of global health scholars.

Department of Pediatrics faculty who are currently involved in global health efforts in education, research, policy or service are listed here. As the passion for global health grows within the Duke community, we expect this list to expand. Please check back often for updates.

Duke Translational Medicine Institute (DTMI)

The Duke Translational Medicine Institute (DTMI) Pediatrics Core was established to specifically address the increasing need for a coherent and integrated method for the conduct of pediatric clinical and translational research projects due to FDA pediatric initiatives and the proliferation of NIH-funded mechanisms for pediatric research.

The mission of the DTMI Pediatrics Core resource is to provide a leading pediatric academic enterprise that promotes measurable improvements in the health of children by fostering the translation of new scientific discoveries into clinical practice through collaborative clinical and translational research. The Pediatrics Core will provide both the training and the opportunity for established and newly-trained investigators to use their skills in pediatric translational studies and clinical research.
 
To learn more about the organizational objectives, major initiatives and faculty affiliated with DTMI Pediatrics, please visit the Child Health Research Core section of the DTMI web site.
 

Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI)

The Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI), the world's largest academic clinical research organization, conducts pediatric clinical trials on an unprecedented scale. These trials involve thousands of participants from across the globe and combine the clinical expertise and academic leadership of a premier teaching hospital with the full-service operational capabilities of a major contract research organization.

DCRI pediatric research experience ranges from pharmacokinetic studies in neonates to large, multi-center trials in adolescent populations. The faculty are renowned, experienced researchers in all of the most crucial therapeutic areas, and are also practicing physicians, observing the results of hard-won evidence right at the bedside.
 
Added to this academic and clinical expertise is the unique operational capability of the DCRI making it the undisputed world leader in pediatric clinical research.
 
To learn more about DCRI-sponsored pediatric research activities, please visit the Duke Primary Care Research Consortium and Pediatric Clinical Trials sections of the DCRI web site. Department of Pediatrics faculty who are currently affiliated with DCRI are listed here.
 

Duke Clinical Research Unit (DCRU)

The Duke Clinical Research Unit (DCRU) provides specialized facilities, staff, resources, and expertise in conducting early phase clinical research with the goal of facilitating the understanding of human conditions, translating basic research findings into patient care, and developing new therapies.
 
The following services are available for early phase pediatric clinical research:
  • Project management
  • Research coordination
  • Biostatistics
  • Data management
  • Randomization
  • Lab sample collection and processing
  • Subject recruitment
  • Subject reimbursement
  • Pharmacy services: Packaging; Drug storage; Drug dispensing