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The Children's Hospital Research Institute
Research
The Children's Hospital Research Institute (RI) was established to facilitate the scientific and clinical investigations of our faculty and staff. Its infrastructure is composed of the following: 1) A grants management group that is involved in all aspects of the development and execution of external funding, including preparation of budgets, protection of intellectual property and a proper liaison between the principal investigators and the various departments at the hospital. 2) A compliance arm that facilitates safe and ethical studies. The RI serves as a focal point for the review of human subjects research. 3) A biostatistical core that helps with study design, data acquisition and interpretation of results. This group of experienced statisticians is available to any member of the TCH community who is in need of study design assistance.
In addition to providing infrastructure for research, the RI has assumed additional roles at The Children's Hospital (TCH). Approximately nine years ago, a Clinical Trials Organization (CTO) was established at TCH. This group facilitates industry-sponsored research at the hospital. The RI acts as a financial underpinning for the CTO. Likewise, the opportunity to establish the Children's Outcome Research Program (COR) at TCH was realized when the RI made a long-term commitment to offset the administrative needs of the program.
One of the major activities of the RI is the funding of the creative new ideas and projects of faculty and staff. The RI has developed a number of funding programs for completely new ideas (Pilot Grant Awards); for the development of new faculty and staff until such time as they are ready to compete for external awards (Research Scholar Awards); for projects that help the hospital discover better ways to provide care to our patients (Quality Systems Improvement Awards); and for nurses who need assistance to translate a good idea into an active research protocol (Small Nursing Grants). In the event that an investigator loses their funding, the RI is available to provide temporary funds until the external source is reestablished (Bridge Fund Awards).
In 2004, the RI awarded approximately $1 million to members of the staff and faculty. The Children's Hospital Foundation and The Children's Hospital Board of Directors have been key supporters of the RI and its operation. TCH's financial support has been instrumental in both the recruitment and retention of research faculty.
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