The Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine has been ranked #2 in the nation for 2025 funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR), which tracks NIH funding for medical school departments across the U.S. With approximately $60.05 million in NIH grants in 2025 — up from $58.3 million in 2024 — this achievement reflects the dedication, creativity and resilience of our research teams who continue to secure highly competitive federal funding even in an evolving and increasingly competitive research landscape.
“This recognition reflects the incredible progress of our program and honors the dedication of our researchers and their entire research teams,” said Dr. Lara Shekerdemian, Texas Children’s Chief of Pediatrics and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. “Their curiosity and expertise turn questions into discoveries that touch the lives of children and families every day.”
From groundbreaking studies in genetics and immunology to innovations in clinical care and population health, this funding “reaffirms our commitment to pioneering breakthroughs while delivering compassionate care—ensuring every study, every discovery, and every effort contributes to a healthier, brighter future for children everywhere,” said Dr. Shekerdemian.
Highlighting the advancement toward improving the lives of children locally, nationally, and globally.
Advancing pediatric discovery
Research funded through the NIH enables investigators to pursue new approaches to diagnosing and treating complex childhood conditions while training the next generation of pediatric physician-scientists.
“Achieving a #2 ranking in the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research is a testament to the extraordinary leadership, scientific excellence, and collaborative spirit of our Department of Pediatrics,” said Dr. Carolyn L. Smith, Senior Vice President for Research at Baylor College of Medicine. “It reflects the strength of our NIH-funded research portfolio and the unwavering commitment of our faculty, trainees, and staff to advancing discovery on behalf of children and families.”
The ranking also highlights the impact of the long-standing academic partnership between Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital—as “this support allows us to move discoveries faster from bench to bedside, expand high-impact programs, and truly solve the unsolvable for patients and families in need,” said Debra Sukin, President and CEO of Texas Children’s. “This achievement is a testament to the expertise of Texas Children’s team members across our system and our shared commitment to turning hope into cures.”
Recognizing the teams behind the work
To celebrate the national ranking, Department of Pediatrics physicians and leaders joined colleagues from the Texas Children’s Research Institute, the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (NRI), the Children’s Nutrition Research Center (CNRC), and the Pediatrics Center for Research Advancement (CRA) for a gathering at Texas Children’s. Leaders including Dr. Shekerdemian, Pediatrics Research Vice Chair Dr. Carl Allen, and Debra Sukin shared remarks recognizing the collaboration and dedication that drive pediatric discovery across the Baylor–Texas Children’s partnership.
Together, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s continue advancing pediatric research that improves outcomes and expands possibilities for children and families around the world.
