Clinical and Translational Research
 Michael L Miller, MD, Interim Director  

Our Mission 

The mission of the Clinical and Translational Research (CTR) Program is to accelerate the progression and prevalence of clinical and translational research at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, thereby speeding the delivery of new therapies and cures to our patients.    

We are dedicated to creating a vibrant research environment that fosters and expedites translational research while adhering to the highest scientific and ethical standards involving our vulnerable human subjects.    

 Our Goal 

The Clinical and Translational Research  Program provides support to ALL departments and divisions at both Lurie Children’s and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center, with the goal of developing a culture of research by fostering collaboration, training researchers, providing institutional support, expanding resources and coordinating services for both sponsored and investigator-initiated research.   

With over 140 members, the program provides a home for investigators engaged research regardless of funding source. Complementing the core programs and centers of both Lurie Children's Hospital and Research Center, it works in tandem with the Clinical Research Unit (CRU), the Research Pharmacy, the Biostatistics Research Core (BRC) and Clinical Trials Research Center (CTRC) providing support to researchers as they progress from innovation to patient treatment.      

The CTR works to:         

  •  Expand the breadth of clinical and translational studies conducted at Lurie Children's and to assure the highest scientific standard for all such studies. 
                 
  •  Improve upon the current infrastructure for conducting clinical research trials.
                 
  • Train residents, fellows and other investigators in experimental and biostatistical methodology covering topics that include study design, conduct and analysis of clinical trials related to pediatric patients and research ethics involving the protection of human subjects.
          
  •  Encourage the development of multi-center patient groups in pediatric sub-specialty areas for use in multi-center therapeutic trials.  This is a crucial asset for research center translational initiatives, serving as a vital bridge between drug/device discovery in research center laboratories and the needs of our pediatric populations.  
                 
  • Assist investigators in developing and evaluating treatment and prevention measures for pediatric disorders and adult-onset disorders with childhood antecedents (e.g. stroke, epilepsy).   

By giving our patients and other children an opportunity to participate in clinical trials of novel or modified therapies for a range of serious childhood disorders, we ultimately will be able to give all children the benefit of new, better and less toxic medications.  As scientists reveal new information leading to innovations in detecting and treating childhood diseases, we will be able to test these promising new treatments and ensure they reach those who most need them.