Research
Essential to our mission of providing exceptional patient care and advanced medical education is our focus on pushing the boundaries of research. To this end, the Department has developed a comprehensive basic, translational, and clinical research program. While the research program is focused on developing new techniques and increasing the knowledge of conditions commonly encountered in the Department, there is also a significant focus on the clinical applicability of the research conducted. Our Department’s research areas of focus include craniofacial, cleft, oral and maxillofacial, benign breast, gender, hand, and vascular anomalies. Our research subjects are derived from clinical experience, and our aim is to translate the knowledge gained in the laboratory back to the clinic to improve patient care.
In order to maintain such an active research program, the Department has significant dedicated resources. Our research program is composed of 87 individuals, including 36 full- and part-time bench scientists, laboratory technicians, research managers, research specialists, research assistants, data analysts, biostatistician, and research interns, as well as 51 rotating students and trainees.
Our research program prides itself on a strong track record of impactful scholarship. Over the past five years, the Department has published over 400 manuscripts in highly regarded peer reviewed journals. These publications include BMJ, JAMA, Lancet, Pediatrics, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Annuals of Plastic Surgery, Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal, and more. Many of our studies are generously funded by the National Institutes of Health, Plastic Surgery Foundation, and CRICO. Our Department was awarded over $5 million in grant funding for projects active in 2021. Our research facilities are centrally located in Boston within close proximity to the hospital’s main campus. This allows for increased collaboration and access to the resources of both Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
