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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
#1 research intensity among Canadian hospitals
#2 among Canada's top research hospitals in total research spending
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
September 22, 2022
In the largest study of its kind, SickKids researchers have described the natural history of Alagille syndrome, providing a more complete picture of how the liver disease progresses in childhood.
September 21, 2022
Study pinpoints origin of paediatric brain tumour and shows it may be preventable
An international research team uncovered the first indication that a type of medulloblastoma may be preventable by identifying how and where these tumours develop during human fetal brain development.
September 16, 2022
Research shows the implementation of a standardized approach to UTI diagnosis and follow-up reduced misdiagnosis and antibiotic use.
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
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.
Led by internationally-recognized leaders in research, the SickKids Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) guides the strategic direction for the RI, establishes and monitors KPIs, and leads external reviews of the seven SickKids research programs.
Board Members
- Director and Professor of Child Health, UCL Great Ormond St Institute of Child Health
Rosalind Smyth is Director of the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Honorary Consultant Respiratory Paediatrician at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Non-Executive Director of Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Her current research interest include clinical studies of viral/host interactions in RSV bronchiolitis, clinical trials and systematic reviews of treatments for childhood respiratory disease. Smyth previously served as Professor of Paediatric Medicine at The University of Liverpool UK and held the position of Director of the UK Medicines for Children Research Network, which supports a variety of paediatric research with children across all of England.
The Research Institute is currently seeking new members for the Scientific Advisory Board.
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