The medical advancements of the Twentieth Century have been astounding. Just as an example, consider how the development of vaccines has changed our world. The influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 once claimed over 500,000 lives in the United States alone; but today, flu vaccines are administered at local shopping centers to save lives of those most at risk. In 1980, the World Health Organization declared smallpox—a disease that had plagued humanity since the dawn of civilization—officially eradicated from the globe. Polio once crippled thousands of children each year, but was wiped out of the Western Hemisphere in the 1950s by the development of a vaccine by Jonas Salk.

This is the power of medical research. But there really are no overnight breakthroughs in medicine: advancements are made incrementally by dedicated individuals conducting research in laboratories and medical institutions around the world. These researchers often devote entire careers working on a particular aspect of a disease. Their findings, when taken with those of their colleagues, collectively mesh together until a vaccine is developed, a new treatment proves effective or a cure is found.

From its inception, The Nemours Foundation has supported research to foster an inquisitive and challenging environment for physicians committed to advancing the practice of medicine. By supporting research efforts at its health care institutions, the Foundation increases the probability of achieving sound medical practices and improved clinical results. Supporting research also enables Nemours physicians to contribute to the body of health care knowledge and the scientific basis of medical practice.

Nemours Research Programs are clinically driven and focused on meeting the patients’ needs. In the pages that follow, you’ll discover how researchers at the Nemours institutions are working with their colleagues at other institutions to understand diseases and the health problems that affect children and to advance medical care and technology used in treatment.