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SickKids Research Institute
Driving clinical impact with every
research question
SickKids Research Institute (RI) is where over 2,000 researchers, trainees, and staff are working together to take on the toughest challenges in child health. As Canada’s largest, hospital-based child health research institute, we conduct and translate groundbreaking research to improve child health outcomes, policy, and clinical care, train the next generation of researchers, and support global scientific communities with knowledge and state-of-the-art facilities.
Innovation and collaboration across our seven distinct research programs have led to a number of incredible discoveries at SickKids, uncovering the mechanisms and outcomes of childhood disease. And with every research question in the lab, we are driving clinical changes.
By challenging existing care models and maximizing research translation, we’re taking more discoveries from the lab bench to the bedside, making a bigger impact on children’s lives around the world, sooner.
By the numbers
276 scientists
1,018 research trainees
394 project & team investigators
1,126 research support staff
$262.6M research spend
2,099 publications
Explore the Institute
Meet the researchers working across the spectrum of child health, from basic science at the sub-molecular level, to clinical diagnostics, treatments and prevention.
Browse a list of labs to learn more about the exciting research taking place at SickKids Research Institute.
The Research Training Centre offers trainees hands-on opportunities to contribute to some of the most important research projects in Canada and to work with top scientists.
Learn about our cutting-edge equipment and infrastructure that’s powering new innovation and advancements in care.
Participate in Clinical Research
As one of Canada's top research hospitals, families that walk through our doors have a chance to participate in clinical research to help address our greatest health challenges.
Clinical Research Services supports quality clinical research by providing research facilities, tools, education and services for SickKids staff and researchers worldwide.
Latest research news
May 24, 2023
Research team receives over $5 million for Canadian paediatric imaging platform
The Canadian Pediatric Imaging Platform (C-PIP) will harness infrastructure and expertise at three Canadian hospitals to help improve understanding of children’s brain health.
May 19, 2023
U-Link Canada makes it easier to find early phase clinical trials for children with cancer
SickKids-led database provides clinicians and families with the latest information on open clinical trials for children with cancer across Canada.
May 16, 2023
Study first to examine how early memory changes as we age at a cellular level
SickKids researchers discover that a matrix called the perineuronal net may be responsible for why human memories become more specific throughout childhood.
Cell Biology
Cutting-edge methods in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, and microscopy allow us to understand how cells function, and how these functions go awry in disease states.
Child Health Evaluative Sciences
By conducting and translating research into clinical practice, system, and policy, this research aims to improve the health and well-being of children and their families.
Developmental & Stem Cell Biology
Using development genetics, genomics, and stem cell biology, these research teams are developing new therapeutic approaches for children and youth.
Genetics & Genome Biology
Next-generation genomic sequencing tools are revolutionizing our understanding of disease and approaches to science.
Molecular Medicine
Researchers are developing new molecular approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases.
Neurosciences & Mental Health
This research focuses on advancing understanding of the brain to develop novel approaches to therapy and prevention strategies.
Translational Medicine
Multidisciplinary teams across SickKids are blending their expertise to facilitate new clinical and biological ideas.
More from the Research Institute
Comprised of internationally-recognized leaders in research and innovation, the SickKids Scientific Advisory & Innovation Board (SAIB) supports and provides input on the overall strategic directions for the Research Institute.
Canada Research Chairs showcase the calibre and diversity of scientists and clinicians working at the SickKids Research Institute.
SickKids is home to 48 scientific and academic chairs. See who holds current chairs in Canada.
The SickKids Institutional Research Data Management (RDM) strategy outlines our commitment to fostering sound RDM practices and supporting researchers in following the FAIR principles to make data findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable.
Research Awards & Financial Services (RAFS) supports researchers through the grant lifecycle, from grant applications and contract management, to monitoring and financial reporting.
Contact the Research Institute
For all inquiries about SickKids Research Institute, please contact Jelena Djurkic, Manager, Communications (Research Institute & Strategic Initiatives), Communications & Public Affairs