University of Colorado Anschutz Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Hospital Colorado Rank No. 1 in NIH Funding in 2025

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.

History of national research leadership

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.

Scientific discoveries that improve child health

“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 pediatric investigators at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics 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, digestive diseases and asthma, among many others.

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 teams behind the science and care

“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 the Anschutz Medical Campus. Their commitment to scientific rigor improves patient outcomes and develops cures for previously incurable diseases.

Federal and philanthropic support fuel breakthroughs

“We are grateful for the continued bipartisan Congressional support for research funding that improves and saves 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.