Pediatric Neonatology Research
Safeguarding Early Development
At Nemours Children’s, our neonatology research focuses on protecting organ systems during the earliest stages of life. Premature birth, inflammation, oxygen deprivation, and critical illness can disrupt this fragile period and shape long-term health. Our researchers study how the brain, lungs, immune system, and intestines respond to stress from fetal development through the first weeks after birth.
Our research spans neuroscience, pulmonology, immunology, bioengineering, and critical care to understand how these risks affect the body at the systems level. We look at how early injury happens and how recovery unfolds. We examine how advanced monitoring and life support technologies can reduce complications. This work protects development and improves long-term outcomes for premature infants facing critical illness.
Key Areas of Research
Early Brain Injury & Neuroprotection | Studying how oxygen deprivation and inflammation affect the developing brain and identifying strategies to support recovery in newborns at risk.
Neonatal Immunology & Intestinal Barrier Health | Examining how early immune signals shape the premature intestine and developing approaches that strengthen barrier function and reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis.
Lung Development & Respiratory Support | Investigating how immature lungs function in early life and improving oxygen management, respiratory support, and noninvasive monitoring for newborns.
Extracorporeal Life Support & Organ Recovery | Engineering safer life support systems and studying strategies that support lung recovery and reduce complications in newborns.
Cellular Recovery After Neonatal Critical Illness | Exploring how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to organ failure during severe infection or shock in early life and identifying therapies that improve recovery and long-term outcomes.
Neonatology Clinical Trials & Studies
Our Neonatology research includes translational and collaborative studies focused on brain injury, prematurity, respiratory support, and early-life critical illness. We contribute to broader pediatric research initiatives and critical care networks that support discovery and shared learning across institutions.
Families may have opportunities to participate in research studies at Nemours that advance care for vulnerable newborns.
Where Neonatology Research Happens
Neonatology research at Nemours happens within active clinical environments and research labs across Delaware Valley and Florida. Scientists and clinicians work together in neonatal intensive care units, pulmonary function labs, engineering facilities, and critical care settings. This partnership helps research discoveries move more quickly into clinical practice.
Related Research
Biomedical Research, Innovation & Translation in Extracorporeal Life Support (BRITE Lab)
The BRITE Lab advances extracorporeal life support research through innovative device design, safer technologies, and pediatric critical care solutions.
Center for Pediatric Lung Research
DELAWARE VALLEY
Our center improves pediatric respiratory care by turning scientific discoveries into innovative diagnostics and research.
Neonatal Brain Injury Lab
DELAWARE VALLEY
We research birth-related brain injuries in newborns, including HIE, to help protect brain development and improve outcomes.
Noninvasive Pediatric Pulmonary Evaluation Lab
DELAWARE VALLEY
We develop and tests noninvasive tools to assess lung function in children, aiming to improve diagnosis, monitoring, and care for respiratory conditions.
Pediatric Critical Care Mitochondrial Unit
DELAWARE VALLEY
Investigators in our lab study how mitochondrial function affects critically ill children to improve recovery and guide personalized treatments.
Pediatric Pulmonology Department Research, Central Florida
CENTRAL FLORIDA
We study childhood lung and sleep disorders, advancing treatments for asthma, cystic fibrosis, and neuromuscular conditions.
Neonatology Clinical Care
Neonatal Intensive Care
CLINICAL CARE
Expert intensive care for premature and critically ill newborns at advanced facilities at Nemours Children’s hospitals in Delaware and Florida
Neuroscience Center, Delaware Valley
CLINICAL CARE
Pediatric neurology, epilepsy care, and neurodevelopmental services at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware and throughout Greater Philadelphia.
Neuroscience Center, Central Florida
CLINICAL CARE
Complete pediatric neurology, neurosurgery, and neurodevelopmental services for children throughout Central Florida at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida
Pulmonology
CLINICAL CARE
Comprehensive care for children with lung, airway, and breathing disorders provided by Nemours pediatric pulmonologists.
Pediatric Critical Care
CLINICAL CARE
Critical care for children with serious illness or injury in specialized units at our Delaware and Florida children's hospitals.