CHOC Research Institute

At CHOC, we know that research saves lives. That’s why our Research Institute has over 350 research studies in more than 30 specialties to provide your child with access to leading-edge treatments. Our scientists translate the latest advances in molecular profiling, including whole genome sequencing, to meet the individual needs of our patients at every stage of their young lives —from infancy through adolescence.

We understand that it’s important to conduct research directly with children and adolescents in a facility such as CHOC, that is devoted exclusively to the care, quality of life, rights and safety of children of all ages.

Stories of Innovative Pediatric Research

News

New physician scientist already conducting pioneering research in neonatology

As a recently recruited young physician scientist on CHOC’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Dr. Grant Shafer is maintaining a busy clinical schedule while settling into a new life in Southern California. And Dr. Shafer, who joined CHOC on Sept. 1 after finishing a fellowship at Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH), arrives here with some pioneering … Continue reading New physician scientist already conducting pioneering research in neonatology →

CHOC DOCS Blog

Health & Safety

Cutting-edge device approved for compassionate use saves leg, life of young girl

When 7-year-old Naomi Adrian took a spill on the school playground earlier this year and a schoolmate fell on top of her left leg, she got up with a slight limp. After what appeared to be a bruise kept growing, and as Naomi continued to walk awkwardly, her mother, Maria Nino, took her to the … Continue reading Cutting-edge device approved for compassionate use saves leg, life of young girl →

CHOC Blog

Stories

Milestone procedure saves preemie with complex heart disease

Baby Hope looked into her mother’s eyes and gurgled. Four days short of turning 9 months old, wearing a white onesie with the words “Best Gift Ever” on the front, she made more baby talk. “You’re always a big chatterbox – what are you saying?” her mother, Elizabeth “Becca” Wyneken, said as she smiled and … Continue reading Milestone procedure saves preemie with complex heart disease →

CHOC Blog

News

Pandemic has provided lessons on continuing research during a crisis

COVID-19 has been a tragic wrecking ball on several fronts, but something that isn’t mentioned much is clinical research. Long a linchpin at CHOC and, moving forward, poised to become even more central as CHOC evolves into a leading pediatric health system, clinical research has had to quickly readjust under the strain of the pandemic. … Continue reading Pandemic has provided lessons on continuing research during a crisis →

CHOC DOCS Blog

Clinical Programs & Services

Wired for hope

Every morning when she awakes, Sydney Amato begins her daily battle with her body. If she’s lucky, the 16-year-old will have gotten a handful of hours of uninterrupted sleep – dreaming, perhaps, of doing what most healthy kids her age take for granted: Hanging out with friends. Going to school. Learning to drive. Because of … Continue reading Wired for hope →

CHOC Blog

News

CHOC Researcher Recognized at International Molecular Medicine Conference

Jeffrey Huang, Ph.D., a research scientist at CHOC Children’s Research Institute whose scientific interests include applying innovative molecular biology techniques to the treatment of rare pediatric disorders, was recently honored at the Molecular Medicine Tri-Conference. Considered one of the world’s leading international events in the field of drug discovery, development and diagnostics, the conference attracts … Continue reading CHOC Researcher Recognized at International Molecular Medicine Conference →

CHOC DOCS Blog

Clinical Trials

At CHOC, we are dedicated to providing patients the very latest breakthrough treatments available to children, adolescents and young adults. Our efforts bring hope to patients with rare conditions, or conditions not responding to traditional treatments.

(Currently, only oncology clinical trials are available online.)

About the CHOC Research Institute

The CHOC Research Institute was formally established in 2003, after years of active participation in pediatric clinical research. Today, the Research Institute supports more than 350 active human-subject research studies across nearly all of our pediatric subspecialty areas.

The Institute’s Sponsored Projects and Research Compliance offices administer and oversee federal NIH, California State CIRM, private foundation and donor funding in support of translational and clinical child health research.

CHOC’s affiliation with the University of California, Irvine and our active collaborations with top academic institutions from around the United States expand our access to leading-edge research projects and resources. Our patients, and indeed children worldwide, benefit from these diverse efforts – bringing breakthroughs from the lab to the bedside.

Research Institute Centers

Center for Genetic & Molecular Research
Center for Neuroscience Research
Center for Translational Research
Center for Nursing Research
Center for Clinical Research
Allergy/Immunology
Cardiology
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
Hematology
Infectious Disease
Metabolics
Neonatology
Cancer
Orthopaedics
Periopertaive
Pulmonology
Psychology

CHOC Clinical Care and Research Attracts Patients Worldwide

Every year, patients travel to CHOC to access care they can’t find anywhere else, including cutting-edge clinical trials. Their willingness to crisscross the globe to participate in these studies has placed the hospital on the map as a leading destination for innovative care.

One of these families is the McGregor family of Blackfalds, Alberta, Canada who found CHOC while searching for treatment alternatives for their 11-year-old daughter, Katharina (Katha). Katha has Niemann-Pick disease Type C (NP-C), a rare genetic disease that causes cholesterol to accumulate in the brain, lungs, liver and spleen, leading to deterioration and early death.

Since March 2016, Katha and her mother have traveled from Canada to CHOC every other week to participate in a yearlong clinical trial. While the travel is challenging, McGregor says it is definitely worthwhile. Read Katha’s story.

Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Care

Nurse at bedside of young smiling girl in the hospital

Nurses are the heart of CHOC’s staff and have the greatest opportunity to make a difference in patient care. They are dedicated to enhancing pediatric acute, critical and ambulatory care by striving for new and improved best practices. All CHOC RNs are encouraged to engage in research, evidence-based practice, innovation and quality improvement.

Research Professionals

The Research Institute is committed to delivering comprehensive service, from pre-award assistance to post-award management. We make every effort to accommodate individual researcher's needs and schedules within the resources of our office, and we act as an advocate for the faculty and the university in the research process.