171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
800-424-MUSC
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Dr. Bernard Maria, CRI Executive
The Children's Research Institute (CRI) is scheduled to open its doors by the end of the calendar year. This is an exciting milestone for MUSC and the Children's Hospital because the CRI will empower the best minds to improve the
lives of children and their families by conducting high quality children's research, by training superior
physicians and scientists, and by fostering innovation through the sciences of discovery and
application.
The 121,000 sqft building will house scientists studying the child's brain and heart, and other
important areas of research related to nutrition, vision, blood disorders, cancer, genetics, drug disposition,
cystic fibrosis, asthma, diseases of the preterm and term newborn, obesity, diabetes,
arthritis and lupus, bone metabolism, and the structures of important molecules, compounds,
and proteins.
In the last several months, scientists on campus from over 20 departments have competed for
space in the CRI. Each team of researchers with a passion for children's research had to be conducting
great science. A committee of peers scored and ranked each proposal. Then, meritorious
programs were assigned space to (1) optimize collaboration with key researchers from
other programs, (2) build synergies beyond the CRI, and (3) share precious high-tech resources.
For example, the three research programs in childhood cancer, molecular genetics, and drug
genetics were located on the same half of the 4th floor so they can explore the development of new cancer treatments
that are customized to the genetic profiles of every child and every cancer.
Another good example of building synergies was to program the heart program for the 6th floor of the CRI so other heart researchers presently on the 6th floor of the adjoining Basic Science Building could work closely with those in the
CRI. The important process of identifying shared resources in the CRI is underway now that we
know what programs will occupy the building.
As the CRI move-in date approaches, we are developing a strategic plan to become a leading
regional, national and international resource in children's research. We have much to learn about
biology and important human diseases from 'listening to children.' Thus, the motto for the CRI
will be 'Children as Model Teachers.'
- Bernard L. Maria, MD, MBA
Executive Director of the Children's Research Institute
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