Central Florida Research
- About Us
- Centers & Programs
- Facilities & Capabilities
- Partnerships & Impact
Reimagining Research Through Academic-Clinical Partnership
In the vibrant ecosystem of Orlando’s Lake Nona Medical City, 91´óÉñ has pioneered an innovative approach to pediatric research in Central Florida. We integrate hands-on patient care at 91´óÉñ Children's Hospital, Florida with cutting-edge laboratory science at University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences. This strategic dual-site integration creates a seamless pathway from scientific breakthrough to patient care.
With a team of more thanÌý100 principal investigators and research associates, we’re tackling health challenges that matter most to Florida families. Our researchers focus on critical areas like respiratory medicine (asthma and cystic fibrosis), heart conditions, neuromuscular disorders, and viral infections unique to our region’s environment and demographics.Ìý
Our integrated research model catalyzes discovery while maximizing resources. Combining clinical expertise with academic exploration positions us to develop groundbreaking treatments that directly improve children’s health in Florida, and worldwide.Ìý
Groundbreaking Research Innovation in Central Florida
115+
Active clinical trials and funded research studies advancing science
100+
Studies published in peer-reviewed journals last year
$12.9M
Total annual research funding driving innovation
100+
Funded researchers, principal investigators. and research associates
Central Florida Research Leadership
Jennifer Nelson, MD
Director of Research, Central Florida
Jean Abate, MBA, CRA
Site Administrator
Hayley Clary, RN
Site Administrator
Kristen Gibbs,ÌýDNP, APRN, CPNP PC, CCRC
Clinical Trials Manager
Peter Phelan, MSÌý
Program Administrator
Central FloridaÌýResearch Team
Bridging hospital care and academic research, our diverse team leverages the spirit of collaboration to address complex pediatric health challenges. Our investigators combine clinical insights with laboratory innovation to create solutions tailored to children in our community and beyond.
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Strategic Research Priorities Driving Discovery
Central Florida’s research portfolio reflects our commitment across carefully selected domains, including addressing asthma, respiratory viruses, hearing loss, cytomegalovirus, neuromuscular conditions, and more.
Our strategic focus ensures that discoveries we make translate to meaningful improvements in pediatric care and contribute knowledge to the global research community.
Research Centers & Programs
*ÌýNew research content coming soon.
Asthma & Cystic Fibrosis Research, Central Florida *
Our researchers focus on asthma education through virtual reality and explore how social factors and clinical trials impact children with cystic fibrosis.
Audiology Research, Central Florida *
We explore ways to improve hearing care for children through diagnostic tools, treatment outcomes, and technology-driven solutions.
Biomedical Research Informatics Center
We consult, train, and provide computational resources for researchers, offering experimental design, data mining, analysis, and software application development.
Cardiovascular Services Department Research, Florida
Our researchers use imaging, data analysis, and molecular research to develop new approaches to prevent, diagnose, and treat congenital and acquired heart conditions in children.
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.
Children's Ear, Hearing & Communication Center *
We combine clinical insight with research in hearing, ear conditions, and communication to deliver innovative care and evidence-based solutions for children.
Endocrinology Research, Central Florida *
Our team investigates hormone-related conditions like diabetes and growth disorders to improve diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes.
Ginsburg Institute *
Our researchers study the social, economic, and environmental factors affecting child health to build innovative care models and reduce health disparities.
91´óÉñ 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.
Neuromuscular Research, Central Florida *
Our team studies neuromuscular diseases in children, focusing on early detection, genetic causes, and strategies to slow disease progression.
Orthopedics Research, Florida
We’re advancing pediatric care through innovative orthotic design, artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics, and bioabsorbable implant technology.
Otolaryngology Research, Central Florida *
We explore pediatric ear, nose, and throat conditions, with research on surgical and clinical outcomes in hearing loss, head and neck conditions, and airway management.
Plastic & Craniofacial Surgery Research, Central Florida
Our team advances pediatric plastic surgery through research that improves outcomes and quality of life for children with craniofacial differences.
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.
Rheumatology Research, Central Florida *
Our researchers focus on improving care for children with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including juvenile arthritis and lupus.
Research LabsÌý& Core Labs
*ÌýNew research content coming soon.
Biobank & Molecular Analysis Program
Our CAP-accredited biorepository has 15,000+ pediatric specimens, offering researchers collection, processing, compliance, storage, and analysis services.
Congenital Cardiac Research Lab *
We study how genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to congenital heart disease to identify new prevention strategies and treatment targets.
Cytomegalovirus Detection & Bioassay Development Lab *
Our team studies how cytomegalovirus affects newborn health, including its role in hearing loss, and is developing a rapid diagnostic test for NICU settings.
Neonatal Immunology & Disease Research Lab *
Our team investigates intestinal inflammation in newborns, exploring how mother’s milk and other factors impact gut health and immune response.
Pediatric Tumor Research Lab
We develop new treatments for challenging childhood cancers, including viral therapies that target tumors while sparing healthy cells for better outcomes.
Pediatric Urology Research Lab *
Our lab uses research models to better understand how specific congenital defects lead to abnormal development of urinary tract and genitals.
Plastic Surgery Lab *
Our team is innovating pediatric surgery research through clinical research, advanced technology, and outcomes analysis to transform children’s lives.
Virology Research Lab *
We study how human papillomaviruses and Zika viruses interact with the body, with a focus on their roles in pediatric cancers and other diseases.
Wound Healing Research Lab
Our team pioneers treatments for pediatric wound conditions, focusing on excessive scarring and pilonidal disease to improve children's healing outcomes.
Clinical Trials & Research Studies
Our clinical research services team supports a diverse portfolio of clinical trials and studies spanning multiple pediatric specialties. From pioneering behavioral therapies and digital therapeutics, to new drugs and medical devices, our clinical research offers children access to leading-edge treatments not otherwise available.
Complementary Research Environments Designed for Discovery
91´óÉñ connects hospital clinical research with university laboratory science in a unique model. This approach maximizes research impact while making efficient use of resources.
Our strategic partnership with UCF creates synergistic environments designed for different aspects of the research continuum. When research discoveries move seamlessly to patient care, kids benefit.
Main Campus
91´óÉñ Children's Hospital, Florida
6535 91´óÉñ Parkway
Orlando, FL 32827
- Full-serviceÌýchildren's hospitalÌýserving as the primary clinical research hub.
- Specialized laboratory area for immediate specimen processing and long-term biobanking services on site.
- Strategic location in Lake Nona Medical City, close to UCF, VA Medical Center, and other research institutions, creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration.
UCF Vivarium & Burnett School Laboratories
Burnett Biomedical Sciences
6900 Lake Nona Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32827
- State-of-the-art 21,000 sq. ft. AAALAC-accredited vivarium with sophisticated environmental monitoring and individualized ventilation systems.
- Advanced imaging capabilities featuring the Bruker In-Vivo Xtreme II multimodal live animal imaging system for translational research.
- Specialized facilities for mouse and rat models with capacity for up to 1,400 cages per high-density room across eight animal housing rooms.
- Specialty rooms for surgical procedures, necropsy, and cryo/rederivation providing for complex experimental protocols and advanced transgenic mouse colony management.
Florida’s Collaborative Research Ecosystem
Central Florida research thrives within a dynamic collaborative framework that extends from our Lake Nona neighbors to global research network. This deliberate proximity to partners like UCF, VA Medical Center, and other research institutions creates unprecedented opportunities for innovation.
We participate in specialized research networks and registries, connecting our local ecosystem to national and global research communities. This ensures our discoveries have the broadest possible impact.
Regional Research Alliances
Our capabilities are enhanced through strategic regional partnerships that leverage Central Florida's unique research model:
- Ìý— Our primary academic partner providing laboratory facilities, shared equipment access, education and research faculty collaborations at the Lake Nona campus
- Ìý— Connecting our researchers with Florida's life sciences industry for technology transfer and commercialization of pediatric innovations
Research Collaborations & Consortiums
Our researchers lead and participate in specialized networks targeting conditions with significant impact on Florida's children:
- Ìý— Contributing Florida-specific inflammatory bowel disease data to enhance treatments for our demographically diverse patient population
- Ìý— Serving as a key site for developing new therapies with particular attention to CF management in humid, warm climatesÌý
- Ìý— Collecting vital data on neuromuscular conditions with specialized expertise in SMA and DMD
- Ìý— Addressing the increased incidence of kidney stones in Florida's climate through specialized research