Celebrating 20 Years of Innovation at Seattle Children’s Research Institute

Twenty years ago, Seattle Children’s board announced the formation of Seattle Children’s Research Institute to formally build a more substantial infrastructure to support accelerated research. Since then the institute has become one of the top 5 NIH-funded pediatric research centers in the country, driving lifesaving breakthroughs for over 200 childhood diseases and making major contributions to pediatric medicine around the world.

Seattle Children’s Research Institute has helped transform medicine and improved the possibilities for children facing aggressive cancers, genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis, complex neurological conditions and infectious diseases like malaria and tuberculosis on a global scale. 

For example:

• The institute has led award-winning research in childhood cancer. Seattle Children’s physicians are actively involved in Children’s Oncology Group, the largest pediatric oncology consortium in the world. 
• Pioneering research of Dr. Bonnie Ramsey led to the FDA approval of three new pediatric cystic fibrosis medications. These breakthroughs have dramatically increased life expectancy and quality of life for children living with this disease.
• The launch of the PLAT-02 trial established Seattle Children’s as a global leader in cellular immunotherapy, with a 93% initial remission rate for relapsed leukemia.
• Seattle Children’s researchers are leading the way in gene therapy and editing, revolutionizing treatment for hundreds of rare and common genetic disorders. Dr. Franck Kalume transformed the understanding and treatment of severe pediatric epilepsy through gene therapies and innovative technologies.

Global Impact, at a Local Scale

While Seattle Children’s Research Institute has pioneered medical advances around the world, it also has impacts close to home. Community providers are welcome to enroll their eligible patients in the 800 active research studies underway at the institute to provide hope, care and cures for children in their communities.  

To connect patients with innovative trials related to their medical condition, visit the Pediatric Clinical Trials and Research Studies page.