AURORA, Colo. (Feb. 25, 2026) – The University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, the academic partner of Children’s Hospital Colorado (Children’s Colorado), ranked No. 1 among all comparable medical school-based departments of pediatrics nationwide in National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding in 2025. The department earned more than $63 million in NIH awards, according to data compiled by the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research.
This recognition reflects a long record of leadership. For 20 years, the Department of Pediatrics, whose experts practice at Children's Colorado, has consistently ranked among the top three nationally in NIH funding. This achievement underscores a deep commitment to advancing discoveries that improve the health of children.
NIH-funded work across the department spans basic science, translational research and clinical studies. These efforts advance innovations that elevate patient care and influence standards of care across the country. The Colorado Child Health Research Institute, a partnership between the University of Colorado Anschutz and Children’s Colorado, strengthens this work by integrating scientific discovery with clinical expertise, allowing new ideas to move from laboratories to patient care settings.
“The work happening here is directed at one goal: improving the lives of children,” said Stephen Daniels, MD, PhD, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine. “Only through rigorous research can we make discoveries, test new approaches and ultimately find cures. The powerful synergy between the Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Colorado strengthens that work by bringing together leading scientists and clinicians who move ideas into action quickly and effectively.”
In 2025, 101 investigators received NIH awards. Faculty and staff across campus are engaged in research that attracts top physicians, scientists, nurses and trainees who want to contribute to an environment known for innovation and clinical excellence. Researchers at Children’s Colorado are national leaders in areas including cancer, heart disease, autism, cystic fibrosis and asthma.
Children’s Colorado also partners with industry sponsors to advance clinical trials that accelerate new treatments and cures. The hospital continues to invest in infrastructure that supports research for complex and emerging diagnoses. At the same time, it trains the next generation of child health investigators who will carry forward the institution’s legacy of discovery.
“The research we’re doing today results in the prevention and cures of tomorrow,” said Ronald J. Sokol, MD, Chief Scientific Officer of Child Health at Children’s Colorado. “Our goal is to continue growing, improving and solving the many health challenges children still face. We’re proud to have the faculty excellence, collaborative environment and sustained support that allow this work to flourish.”
This accomplishment reflects the dedication of faculty, administrative staff, research coordinators and clinical care teams who champion discovery across CU Anschutz. Their commitment to scientific rigor improves patient outcomes and cures previously incurable diseases.
“We are proud of quick action taken this past year to protect NIH funding and grants that improve and save the lives of children through new treatments and better outcomes,” said Jena Hausmann, President and CEO of Children’s Colorado. “While child health research has historically been underfunded, NIH-funded research has been instrumental in improving pediatric health outcomes, decreasing child and infant mortality and advancing child health research. Children deserve a fair chance at a healthy, strong start in life, and we are grateful for essential federal funding that supports the research mission and helps shape the future for our children.”
Ongoing investment remains essential. Breakthroughs in child health rely on stable funding that allows scientists to pursue bold ideas, develop new therapies and bring discoveries into clinical practice. Philanthropic support helps fill gaps in federal funding and accelerates promising work by both seasoned and early career investigators. To learn more about investing in child health research, visit the Children’s Colorado Foundation.
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ABOUT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL COLORADO
Children’s Hospital Colorado is one of the nation’s leading and most expansive nonprofit pediatric healthcare systems with a mission to improve the health of children through patient care, education, research and advocacy. Founded in 1908 and ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the nation as recognized by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s Colorado has established itself as a pioneer in the discovery of innovative and groundbreaking treatments that are shaping the future of pediatric healthcare worldwide. Children’s Colorado offers a full spectrum of family-centered care at its urgent, emergency and specialty care locations throughout Colorado, including an academic medical center on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, hospitals in Colorado Springs, Highlands Ranch and Broomfield, and outreach clinics across the region. For more information, visit www.childrenscolorado.org.