North Florida Research
- About Us
- Centers & Programs
- Facilities & Capabilities
- Partnerships & Impact
Three Decades of Pediatric Research Innovation
¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· research in North Florida translates innovative scientific discoveries into improved care for children. Our pioneering spirit began in the early 1990s when ¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· expanded to Jacksonville (1991) and Pensacola (1996). We established foundations for what would become world recognized centers of excellence in pediatric research.Ìý
Our reputation is built on groundbreaking work that shapes the standard of care in areas like endocrinology and diabetes management and pharmacogenomics. Collaborative partnerships, including a recently extended relationship with Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, have strengthened specialized programs like stem cell transplant and CAR-T cell therapy.
Looking ahead, we're positioned to lead the next generation of diabetes management technologies, precision medicine for pediatric conditions, and innovative clinical trial designs. Recently selected as partner with the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health to advance gene therapy treatments for rare disorders, we’re making extraordinary impact in children’s health.Ìý
A Foundation of Research Excellence in North FloridaÌý
170+
Active clinical trials and funded research studies advancing science
80+
Studies published in peer-reviewed journals last year
$10.1M
Total annual research funding driving innovation
110
Funded researchers, principal investigators. and research associates
North Florida Research Leadership
Nelly Mauras, MD
Director of Research, North Florida
Pediatric EndocrinologistÌý
Beverly Wingate
Site Administrator
Clinical Research Services DirectorÌý
Keisha Bird, APRN
Endocrine & Diabetes Research
Breanna Cane
Research Core Services
Join Us
Specialized Expertise Addressing Key Pediatric Health Challenges
In North Florida, we have cultivated specialized depth in areas of critical importance. Our focused approach allows us to concentrate resources, expertise, and infrastructure where we can make the most impact.
From diabetes and endocrinology to respiratory diseases and cancer treatments, our research combines clinical excellence with scientific innovation to change lives for the better. Learn more about our research.
Research Centers & Programs
*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 Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism *
Our researchers study the mechanisms of hormone action and devise therapeutic strategies to replace or normalize hormonal levels to improve growth and functionality.
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 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· 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.
Orthopedics Research, Florida
We’re advancing pediatric care through innovative orthotic design, artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics, and bioabsorbable implant technology.
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.
Respiratory Diseases & Asthma Research, North Florida *
Our team studies asthma and other lung diseases, with research on clinical trials, environmental triggers, and tools to support long-term control.
Research Labs & Core Labs
Biobank & Molecular Analysis Program
Our CAP-accredited biorepository has 15,000+ pediatric specimens, offering researchers collection, processing, compliance, storage, and analysis services.
Pharmacogenetics Laboratory
We identify genetic markers that help physicians select the right medications and doses for each child's genetic profile, improving treatment effectiveness while reducing side effects.
Clinical Trials & Research Studies
OurÌýclinical researchÌýservices team supportsÌýclinical trials across multiple specialties, including groundbreaking work on the bionic pancreas for diabetes management. We’re also involved in research studies through a range of networks and consortiums seeking to develop innovative treatments for children with rare disorders that previously had limited treatment options.
Purpose-Built Environments Where Discovery Happens
North Florida's research facilities are strategically placed to foster collaboration with key partners. We've created a network of research spaces that work together effectively across our region.
Our approach places research directly within clinical care environments, making it easier for doctors and scientists to work together. This arrangement helps new discoveries move quickly from laboratory to patient bedside, improving care for children throughout Florida and beyond.
Main Campus
¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· Children's Health, Jacksonville
807 Children's Way
Jacksonville, FL 32207
- AdvancedÌýmultispecialty outpatientÌýservices and inpatient hospital care at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
- Features specimen processing laboratories supporting a wide range of research initiatives.
- Houses core research facilities with advanced equipment and capabilities.
- Collaborative environment fostering connections between clinicians and researchers.
Clinical Research Center
¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· Children's Health, Jacksonville Ìý
807 Children's Way
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Ninth Floor
- Provides dedicated clinical research space for pediatric studies and trials.
- Features specialized equipment for pediatric clinical research across multiple specialties, including pediatric DXA scanner for bone density and body composition studies.
- Staffed by trained technologists with extensive experience in clinical research protocols.
- Offers a collaborative environment for ¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· physician-scientists to conduct patient-centered research.
UF Health Jacksonville
Department of Pediatrics
653-1 West 8th Street, L16
Jacksonville, FL 32209
- Houses ¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ·' wet laboratory facilities for advanced biomedical research.
- Supports collaborative research projects between ¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· and University of Florida scientists.
- Provides access to specialized equipment and research infrastructure.
Extending Reach Through Strategic Connections
Our research grows stronger through partnerships across the region. Working together connects our researchers with experts and tools at other leading institutions.
These partnerships multiply what we can accomplish. By sharing knowledge and equipment, we can offer more clinical trials to children. This teamwork helps us tackle the biggest health challenges facing children in North Florida and around the world.
Health Care Partnerships
We partner with leading health care institutions:Ìý
- Ìý— Housing our Clinical Research Center for patient-centered clinical trials in a child-friendly environment
- Ìý— Offering essential research pharmacy support for complex clinical trials and medication managementÌý
- Ìý— Providing critical biostatistics services and analytical expertise for our research studiesÌý
- Ìý— Providing wet laboratory facilities and supporting advanced biomedical studiesÌý
- Ìý— Extending our clinical research capabilities to western Florida and supporting community-based pediatric research
Academic Affiliations
¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· maintains important academic relationships with institutions across Florida:
- Ìý— Supporting education and training for future research professionals
- Ìý— Collaborative educational initiatives and research partnerships
- Ìý— Joint research projects and educational opportunities
- Ìý— Comprehensive research collaborations and shared facilities
- Ìý— Partnerships in pharmacology and pharmaceutical research
Research Funding Partners
Our research is supported by diverse funding sources:Ìý
- Federal fundingÌý–ÌýSupporting large-scale research initiatives addressing critical pediatric health challenges, including:
- Ìý— Supports research that helps families make informed health care decisions by focusing on real-world outcomes
- Industry sponsorsÌý— Partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies developing innovative pediatric treatments
- Philanthropic donationsÌý— Generous community support enabling pioneering research
- ¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· research awardsÌý— Internal funding supporting novel investigations and early-career researchers
- Drug/device sponsored researchÌý— Collaborations with industry to evaluate new therapeutic approaches
- National networksÌý— Participation in multisite research consortia advancing pediatric medicine
- Foundation supportÌý— Organizations supporting research to prevent and manage childhood diseases, including:
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