Children's Research Institute
Driving Breakthroughs in Pediatric Care Through Research
The Children's Research Institute at Children's Wisconsin is the top center for pediatric research in the region. We work to find better ways to care for kids with chronic health conditions — and improve their lives through science.
Our Focus
Children's Research Institute unites doctors, scientists and research teams. They work across different fields to improve kids’ health research. Together, experts lead hundreds of studies and trials to get new treatments from the lab to the bedside.
What we offer:
- High-impact research: Children's Research Institute supports more than 1,000 active clinical trials. These range from early testing to late-phase studies. Topics include cancer, genetics, chronic illness, the immune system, organ transplants and more.
- Advanced space and tools: Our center features labs, imaging rooms, sample storage and more. This helps us test new ideas and treatments.
- Top teams and partners: Our researchers work with national and regional experts. This includes the Medical College of Wisconsin, Marquette University College of Nursing and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Nursing.
Why It Matters
Many childhood diseases are rare and hard to treat. That’s why strong pediatric research is crucial to enhancing care for kids with complex health needs.
At Children's Research Institute, we help bring new tests and treatments to the kids who need them most. Our team looks for ways to spot problems early, before they get worse. This can help avoid painful procedures, lead to better health and prevent future illnesses.
Research also helps lower health care costs by reducing hospital stays and improving long-term care for families.
At Children's Research Institute, doctors and scientists can test new ideas, learn from top teams and help shape the future of kids' health. We also help with grants, study tools and expert advice so research can move forward faster.
Our Leaders
Children's Research Institute is led by innovative researchers who are experts in their fields. They bring new ideas and deep knowledge to improve care for kids.
Research unit leaders:
- Developmental genetics and genomics: Ulrich Broeckel, MD, and Martin Hessner, PhD
- Infection, inflammation and immunity: Nita Salzman, MD, PhD, and James Verbsky, MD, PhD
- Cardiovascular and lung development: Kirk Pritchard, PhD, Joy Lincoln, PhD, FAHA, and Girija Konduri, MD, MS
- Patient-centered research: Cindy Schwartz, MD, and Karen Kavanaugh, PhD, RN, FAAN
- Chief Scientific Officer: Calvin Williams, MD, PhD
- Vice President Research Administration: Elizabeth Bedwell
Get Involved:
Connect, Explore Research and Support Us
Have a question or want to connect with our researchers? We'd love to hear from you.
Children's Research Institute facility: (414) 955-5773
Children's Research Institute administration: (414) 337-7108
Looking for research?
Search the NIH clinical trials database to see all the studies Children's Research Institute offers.
Want to support our work?
Learn about planned giving and other ways you can support Children's Research Institute — or make a gift online. Under “gift designation,” please select Children's Research Institute.