Delaware Valley Research
- About Us
- Centers & Programs
- Facilities & Capabilities
- Partnerships & Impact
A Foundation of Excellence in Pediatric Research
¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· research in Delaware Valley was built upon a legacy of innovation and clinical leadership. As one of the nation’s premier pediatric research centers, ranked among the top 13 for National Institutes of Health funding for more than a decade, we've built a vibrant research ecosystem where scientific discovery directly translates into better care for kids.
Here, we study childhood diseases, and reimagine how they’re prevented, diagnosed, and treated. Our internationally recognized expertise inÌýorthopedics, neuroscience, cardiovascular, and pharmacogenomics research have made us a global destination for the most complex pediatric conditions. Children with skeletal dysplasia, cerebral palsy, rare neurological disorders, and congenital heart defects come to us for the latest treatments.Ìý
We seamlessly integrate laboratory scientists and clinical investigators. This helps create important discoveries that directly improve children's health care.ÌýWe also have strong support systems for teaching medicine, managing medical data, and helping new medical ideas become real treatments. This infrastructure helps us build better health care for children in the future.
A LegacyÌýin Pediatric Research InnovationÌýin Delaware Valley
$58M
Annual research investment driving innovation
285+
Groundbreaking research investigations underway
130+
Clinical trials and studies advancing new treatments
140+
Pioneering researchers and associates advancing science
Delaware Valley Research LeadershipÌý
David Brousseau, MD, MS
Director of Research, Delaware Valley
Pediatrician in Chief & Chair of Pediatrics, Delaware Valley
Judith Ross, MDÌý
Associate Research Director, Clinical Research
Thomas Shaffer, MSE, PhD
Associate Director of Translational Research
Melissa Alderfer, PhD
Associate Director
Greg Stets, RN, MHA
Site AdministratorÌý
Heather M. Hardy, MBA, HT (ASCP)
Site AdministratorÌý
Delaware ValleyÌýResearch Team
Pioneering discoveries move quickly to patient care through our integrated clinical-research model. As a team, we tackle some of pediatrics' most complex challenges, from rare genetic disorders to widespread childhood conditions.
Join Us
Specialized Expertise Across the Spectrum of Pediatric HealthÌý
Delaware Valley is home to several well-known ¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· research centers that study many different children's health issues. Each center has experts focused on their specific discipline.
Important discoveries happen when different ideas come together. That’s why we work together across different research areas. This collaboration fosters a place where ideas in one field can lead to breakthroughs in another.Ìý
Research Centers & ProgramsÌý
*ÌýNew research content coming soon.
Biomedical Research Informatics Center
We consult, train, and provide computational resources for researchers, offering experimental design, data mining, analysis, and software application development.
Center for Applied Clinical Genomics *
We use genomic research and testing to better understand childhood diseases, improve diagnosis, and guide more personalized treatments.
Center for Clinical Diagnostics
We provide diagnostic testing services that support clinicians and researchers in diagnosing and monitoring pediatric diseases more effectively.
Center for Healthcare Delivery Science
Our scientists study how pediatric care is delivered and partner with families, schools, and systems to improve access, experience, and health outcomes.
Center for Pediatric Auditory & Speech Sciences *
Our researchers conduct basic and applied research on pediatric speech, language, and hearing to improve outcomes and support lifelong development.
Center for Pediatric Lung Research
Our center improves pediatric respiratory care by translating scientific discoveries into innovative diagnostics, specialized lab research, and cross-specialty clinical studies.
Center for Pharmacogenomics & Translational Research
We study how genetics influences medication response in children to develop personalized treatments for conditions like depression and respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders.
¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· Cardiac, Center for Research & Innovation
We study the impact of innovations, access, and health care delivery on outcomes in heart surgery, preventive cardiology, and more.
¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders Research
Our investigators advance pediatric cancer care through innovative research, multi-state clinical trials, and specialized programs in Delaware and Florida.
Neuroscience Research Center
Our team investigates the developing brain and translates discoveries in imaging, behavior, and biology into better diagnostics and treatments for children.
Orthopedics Department Research, AI duPont Campus
We’re nationally recognized for leading pediatric orthopedic research, with high-impact publications and a strong presence at major scientific meetings.
Research Career Development & Education
We provide mentoring, education, and professional development resources and programs that support research faculty and their trainees to launch and sustain their careers.
Surgical Outcomes Center *
We use data science, outcomes research, and quality improvement to evaluate surgical care and improve results for children undergoing complex procedures.
Swank Autism Center
Our researchers collaborate with autistic individuals, families, and communities to advance care, guide research, and shape training that reflects lived experience.
Core Labs & Services
Biobank & Molecular Analysis Program
Our CAP-accredited biorepository has 15,000+ pediatric specimens, offering researchers collection, processing, compliance, storage, and analysis services.
Cell Science Core
We specialize in flow cytometry, cell sorting, cell culture, and protein analysis, allowing researchers to study conditions like cancer and autoimmune disease.
Histochemistry & Tissue Processing Core
Our core lab provides researchers with detailed tissue analysis and processing services that help advance the understanding and treatment of childhood diseases.
Research Labs
*ÌýNew research content coming soon.
Biomedical Research, Innovation & Translation in Extracorporeal Life Support
We combine bioengineering, medicine, and chemistry to develop safer, more effective life support technologies for children with severe cardiorespiratory failure.
Brain Stimulation for Treatment of Cognition Lab *
Our lab investigates how noninvasive brain stimulation techniques can improve learning and behavior in children with neurological and developmental conditions.
Cancer Modeling Lab *
We develop patient-derived leukemia models to study disease progression, test new treatments, and understand therapy resistance and relapse.
Cancer Stem Cell Lab *
Our team develops targeted therapies for Down syndrome myeloid leukemia by studying disease models and stem cell behavior that drive relapse.
Clinical & Research Immunology Lab
Our lab provides antibody testing for pediatric autoimmune and immunological disorders using advanced methods and rapid, reliable results.
Craniofacial Outcomes Research Lab *
We study speech and resonance disorders related to cleft palate and craniofacial anomalies, using advanced equipment to assess and improve treatment outcomes.
Critical Care & Mitochondrial Research Lab *
Investigators in our lab study how mitochondrial function affects critically ill children to improve recovery and guide personalized treatments.
Dynamics in Epilepsy & Cognitive Development Lab
We study how early-life seizures impact brain development, using advanced recording and treatment strategies to support cognitive outcomes in children with epilepsy.
Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory *
We investigate walking patterns and mobility in children to improve treatments, guide recovery, and understand long-term outcomes into adulthood.
Gastroenterology Clinical Lab
Our team studies diagnostic tools and treatments for intestinal injury, pancreatic dysfunction, gastric reflux-related aspiration, celiac disease, and IBD.
Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory
Our lab provides molecular testing for genetic conditions, as well as genotyping for pharmacogenomics, allowing personalized drug choice and dosing.
Moseley Informatics Lab *
We develop tools and data platforms that integrate clinical data and biomedical research to support precision medicine and improve pediatric care.
Muscle Enzyme Histochemistry Lab *
Our lab provides diagnostic muscle enzyme histochemistry services, analyzing muscle tissue to aid in the diagnosis of neuromuscular conditions in children.
Neonatal Brain Injury Lab
We are researching birth-related brain injuries in newborns like hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) to protect brain development for the best start in life.
Noninvasive Pulmonary Evaluation Lab*
Our team develops and tests noninvasive tools to assess lung function in children, aiming to improve diagnosis, monitoring, and care for respiratory conditions.
Pediatric Engineering Research Lab *
We design, build, and evaluate pediatric-focused technologies and medical devices to solve clinical challenges and advance child health.
Perinatal & Pulmonary Translational Research Lab *
Investigators in our lab study how perinatal factors influence lifelong respiratory health, with a focus on improving care for vulnerable infants.
Skeletal Dysplasia Lab
Our lab is developing innovative gene therapies and treatments for rare skeletal disorders, specializing in Morquio A syndrome and other inherited conditions.
Speech Research Lab *
Researchers in our lab develop advanced speech technology to improve diagnosis, treatment, and correction of pediatric communication disorders.
T Cell Immunology & Immunotherapy Lab
Our lab develops CAR-T cell therapies and identifies new immune targets to advance treatment for pediatric cancers and immune disorders.
Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine Lab
We combine engineering and medicine to create innovative solutions for children with cerebral palsy and heart conditions, improving diagnosis and surgical care.
Translational Neurobiology & Drug Discovery Lab
We study how brain cells grow and connect to understand the causes of pediatric brain tumors and neurodevelopmental disorders, and to develop more targeted therapies.
Translational Neuroimaging Lab
Our lab develops PET imaging agents to better detect pediatric neurological diseases and cancers, supporting diagnosis and treatment planning.
Translational Rheumatology Research Lab
We study how juvenile idiopathic arthritis develops and use advanced tools to predict disease progression, supporting earlier, more effective treatment for better long-term outcomes.
Transplant Diagnostic & Research Lab
Our lab advances pediatric care through innovative diagnostic testing and research that connects scientific discovery with clinical decision-making.
Clinical Trials & Research Studies
Our clinical research servicesÌýteam supports more than 130 active clinical trials across multiple specialties, from oncology and cardiology to rare diseases and respiratory health. Led by experienced physician-scientists and supported by our specialized Clinical Research Unit, these studies provide children and families with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research while receiving exceptional care.
Spaces Designed for Discovery
The physical spaces where research happens shapes discovery. In Delaware Valley, we’ve created three distinct research facilities designed for innovation. Each serves a unique role in advancing children’s health through science.
With more than 115,000 square feet of research space, our infrastructure supports the full range of investigation, from molecular biology and genomics to clinical trials and population health.Ìý
Built for Research
115,670
Square feet dedicated to research
101,924
Square feet of wet labs
13,746
Square feet for clinical research
Alfred I. duPont Main Campus
¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· Children's Hospital, Delaware
1600 Rockland Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
- Full-service, 265-bedÌýchildren's hospitalÌýserving as the primary clinical research hub.
- Home to internationally recognized clinical programs in oncology, cardiology and cardiac surgery, orthopedics, bone marrow and solid organ transplantation, and genetics.
- Houses state-of-the-artÌýPET/MR imaging facilityÌýwith GE SIGNA PET/MR 3.0T scanner andÌýradiopharmaceutical production laboratories.
- Includes 15,000+ specimen biorepositoryÌýand dedicated sample processing laboratory for immediate specimen handling and analysis.
- Features the recently opened Clinical Research Unit on the first floor.Ìý
Clinical Research Unit
¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· Children's Hospital, Delaware
1600 Rockland Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
First Floor
- Provides a dedicated facility for all phases of clinical trials and investigational drug infusions.
- Enables physician-scientists to conduct studies ranging from early-phase clinical trials to complex multi-site research initiatives.
- Features specialized telemedicine capabilities that extend research participation opportunities to patients throughout the region and beyond.
Rockland Center 1
1701 Rockland Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
- Houses advanced computing infrastructure for big data, speech analysis, and genomics projects.
- Features 10-node 640 CPU core cluster with 6 GPU cards, 9.5TB of RAM, and 2PB of scalable parallel storage.
- Supports clinical research databases through REDCap services and the enterprise data warehouse.
- Contains the American Lung Association’s research biorepository.
DuPont Experimental Station
200 Powder Mill Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
- 82,483 square feet of laboratory and support space designed to foster connections and collaborations with biotech companies.
- Houses recognized research centers includingÌýcancer and blood disorders,Ìýorthopedics,Ìýlung,Ìýcardiac, andÌýneuroscience.
- Equipped for advanced tissue analysis,Ìýhistochemistry, genomic sequencing, and cellular imaging.
- Features 14,414 square feet of animal research space with specialized imaging capabilities.
Multiplying Impact Through Strategic Connections
We believe that solving pediatric health challenges requires working together, within our walls and beyond. Through carefully cultivated partnerships with academic institutions, industry innovators, and global networks, we extend our reach and advance our pace of discovery.
These strategic alliances allow us to pool intellectual resources, share specialized equipment, expand patient access to clinical trials, and ensure that our research directly addresses the most pressing needs of children in our region and all over the world.Ìý
Delaware Health Sciences Alliance (DHSA)
Established in 2009, the Delaware Health Sciences Alliance represents a collaborative network of experts in medicine, health economics, policy, population sciences, public health, biomedical sciences, and engineering. This alliance fuels innovative cross-institutional research, education, and clinical initiatives that drive health care advancement throughout Delaware and beyond. Member institutions include:
Research & Industry Partnerships
Our commitment to innovation extends beyond academic medicine through partnerships with biotechnology organizations and innovation hubs:
- Ìý— A life sciences industry association fostering collaboration between academia, government, and industry partners
- Ìý— A science-focused incubator and accelerator providing resources for emerging technologies and startups
Academic Affiliations
¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· maintains a primary academic affiliation with the , creating a robust environment for medical education and research collaboration. This relationship:Ìý
- Provides comprehensive training opportunities for medical students, residents, and fellows.
- Facilitates joint research initiatives and grant funding opportunities.
- Enhances clinical programs through shared expertise and resources.
- Supports translational research from laboratory discoveries to patient care.
We also have an educational partnership with , providing undergraduate and graduates with learning opportunities.
AdditionalÌýNetworks
We actively participate in numerous national and international research networks, including:Ìý
- Ìý— A global clinical trials organization dedicated to improving outcomes for children and adolescents with cancer through collaborative research
- Ìý— A national pediatric research network supporting community-based studies to enhance primary care practices for children
- Ìý— ÌýA federally funded network expanding pediatric clinical trial access in underserved and rural areas across IDeA states
- Ìý— A research consortium focused on advancing the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric heart disease through multi-center clinical studies