Shaping the future of pediatric medicine

For 150 years, Boston Children’s has embodied a culture of scientific investigation that has shaped pediatric medicine and changed children’s lives. This legacy continues today as we lead the world in pediatric research, empowering clinicians and scientists to challenge the status quo and seek better answers for our patients.

Our research enterprise is the world's largest and most highly-funded pediatric hospital. In FY2018, we received more funding from the National Institutes of Health than any other children’s hospital in the nation. We perform research in a vast range of specialties, revolutionizing treatments for children with common conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and obesity, to children with rare and complex disorders.

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Find a clinical research study

Boston Children's leads or participates in hundreds of clinical trials. Use this database to find out which trials are recruiting, who can enroll and more.

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Resources for the research community

A central hub of resources to support the Boston Children’s research community through guidance on planning, designing, implementing and reporting.

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Sound sleep, sound mind: The importance of sleep for preteens' developing brains

In early adolescence, brain circuits are rapidly maturing, especially those involved in higher-level thought processes. A large study funded by the National Science Foundation links inadequate sleep with less efficient, less flexible brain networks.

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Plate with low carb foods (fish, vegetables). Image: Adobe Stock. Illustration: Sebastian Stankiewicz, Boston Children

Low-carb or low-fat? Study pinpoints better diet

In one of the most rigorous clinical trials to date, low-carb diets provided better cardiovascular and metabolic profiles than low-fat diets, despite being higher in saturated fat. The findings could change 50 years of thinking about diet.

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Diving deep on epilepsy genetics

In 2004, Dr. Ann Poduri was struck to find that the genetic understanding of epilepsy had changed little in the decade since she started medical school. She set out to change that, and today, dozens of genetic causes of epilepsy are known, and some can be treated.

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The commitment and compassion with which we care for all children and families is matched only by the pioneering spirit of discovery and innovation that drives us to think differently, to find answers, and to build a better tomorrow for children everywhere.

Shaping the future of pediatric medicine

Find a clinical research study

Resources for the research community

Recent highlights

Sound sleep, sound mind: The importance of sleep for preteens' developing brains

Low-carb or low-fat? Study pinpoints better diet

Diving deep on epilepsy genetics

Kevin B. Churchwell, President and CEO

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