Signature Research Programs

Signature Program in Child Health Research

Strengths and Focus

Scientists at UNM HSC have an outstanding local, state, national and international reputation for conducting cutting edge Child Health research. Establishing a cross-cutting Signature Program in Child Health Research that serves as the focus for research with children is the realization of a vision first articulated by members of the Department of Pediatrics and others engaged in child health research in 1998 and included in the Pediatrics Department Strategic Plan for Research at that time. A major strength of the SPCHR is that it builds upon this vision and sustained development of Child Health research at UNM over the years. Building on these strengths and previous history, the Signature Program in Child Health Research will create a collaborative network of scientists, health care providers, educators, families, community leaders, policy makers and others. Under the auspices of the SPCHR, this group will identify, articulate, and prioritize the research needed to address the health issues of children in New Mexico.

A second strength of the SPCHR is the transdisciplinary and cross-cutting membership of the Program as demonstrated by the Steering Committee. Each member of the Steering Committee brings unique strengths to the SPCHR and was selected to create a dynamic and balanced leadership group. All have agreed to serve in this important role and have provided valuable input into the establishment of the Program. The broad scope of research activity in the realm of child health represented in the SPCHR includes basic science studies, formative studies, analytic studies, and descriptive research on the determinants of health and disease. Clinical studies include all phases (l, ll, lll) including, community-based efficacy trials. Translational research from bench to bedside (T1), and effectiveness studies to determine how to translate research into practice and policy (T2) are also included.

A third strength is the high level of interest in the concept of Think Tank sessions that brings together key leaders around specific topics of interest. For example childhood obesity is considered an important research topic for scientists and clinicians from neuroscience, cardiology, metabolism, endocrinology, pediatrics, nursing, child development, and prevention research. Two of the Signature Research Programs (Brain and Behavior and Cardio-Metabolic), the Prevention Research Center (CHILE), Adolescent Medicine, School Health Envision, Department of Pediatrics, RIOSNet, College of Nursing and others, including Dr. Alberta Kong, one of the CTSC Scholars are engaged in either research or programmatic interventions. Individuals from these groups and others come together to review the needs and assets assessment, share their research and develop research questions and recommendations for collaborative research over the next five and ten years. These activities serve to unify scientists into interdisciplinary research teams, focus research topics and integrate research into clinical programs. Collaboration with other Signature Programs enhances this effort. The Think Tank venue is both a planning activity and is used to stimulate investigators to collaborate, develop new and innovative Child Health research and integrate research into existing clinical service programs such as the Center for Development and Disability and the School-Based Health Program.

A fourth strength includes existing mechanisms for funding of small grants in child health from the Department of Pediatrics and the College of Nursing intramural grant program. These mechanisms for supporting pilot studies have a history of launching successful researchers in child health. Other existing opportunities include other large studies such as the National Children’s Study (NCS) and the Neonatal Research Network that encourage both new protocols and ancillary studies for related research.

Finally, the University of New Mexico is an ideal setting for a Signature Research Program in Child Health. Currently there are a number of model research studies and programs that address health issues important to New Mexico’s children. However, there is no overarching system to link individual studies and programs with one another; and therefore are not unified in creating an environment that invigorates and enhances critical thinking and innovation. The newly established SPCHR will provide the overarching structure that allows for the necessary synergy, focus, and proactive development of this environment.