Pulmonology & Respiratory Research

Improving Breathing Health From Infancy Through Adolescence

At Nemours Children’s, our pulmonology research is transforming how we diagnose, monitor, and treat breathing challenges in children. From premature infants on oxygen therapy to children with rare lung and neuromuscular conditions that affect breathing, we’re discovering new ways to protect and improve lung health throughout childhood.

Our teams are exploring the causes of pediatric lung conditions. We’re developing new models to understand how diseases progress and testing better ways to detect and treat respiratory problems earlier. Through lab discovery, clinical studies, and real-time monitoring technologies, we’re helping more children breathe easier, and live healthier lives.

Key Areas of Research 

Lung Development & Disease Modeling | Studying how lungs grow, form, and recover from injury, and using advanced models to uncover what drives pediatric lung disease and repair.

Advanced Imaging & Monitoring | Developing and applying noninvasive physiologic tools to evaluate breathing, detect early lung dysfunction, and track respiratory changes over time, especially in infants and children with complex conditions.

Asthma & Airway Inflammation | Looking at how inflammation, environment, and social factors affect disease, and how early care can improve lifelong outcomes.

Cystic Fibrosis & Rare Lung Conditions | Exploring how genetics and biology contribute to inherited lung diseases that impact breathing, nutrition, and growth.

Digital Tools & Early Detection | Evaluating how real-time sensors and smart technologies can improve diagnosis and care for complex respiratory conditions.

Pulmonology Clinical Trials & Studies

We lead and collaborate on studies that test better ways to treat, monitor, and understand lung conditions in children. These include trials focused on asthma, cystic fibrosis, airway disorders, and new methods to detect inflammation and lung damage earlier.

We work with national research networks, industry partners, and other institutions to help bring the latest innovations to families sooner. Clinical studies give patients access to emerging tools and therapies while helping shape the future of pediatric respiratory care.

doctor with patient parent and dad

Where Pulmonology Research Happens

Pulmonary and respiratory research at Nemours is led by a team of scientists and clinicians working across lab and clinical environments and geographic locations. Our work spans disease modeling, imaging, inflammation, and respiratory monitoring technologies. We aim to improve care for children and advance the science of pediatric lung health within the Nemours system and beyond.