Programs & Cores

Accelerating the pace of discovery, the Children’s Discovery Institute (CDI) represents a transformative partnership between St. Louis Children’s Hospital and WashU Medicine, dedicated to redefining pediatric research and delivering innovative therapies for previously untreatable conditions. Through expanded donor-funded initiatives in gene and cell-based therapies, infectious disease and pediatric immunology, CDI fosters collaboration across disciplines to drive faster scientific breakthroughs and improve outcomes for children everywhere.

Empowering research through shared expertise and advanced technology, WashU’s core facilities provide investigators with access to specialized equipment, services and technical support. These centralized resources enable high-quality, cost-effective research across disciplines, fostering collaboration and innovation from basic science to clinical applications.

Driving genomic discovery and precision medicine, the Genome Technology Access Center (GTAC) provides researchers with advanced sequencing technologies, bioinformatics expertise and collaborative support. From experimental design to data analysis, GTAC offers comprehensive services that enable high-quality genomic research across a wide range of disciplines.

Advancing clinical and translational research, the ICTS is dedicated to turning scientific discoveries into real-world health solutions. Through funding programs, training opportunities, data and recruitment services and community partnerships, ICTS provides the resources and expertise researchers need to accelerate innovation and improve health outcomes locally and globally.

Advancing imaging research and innovation, the Molecular Microbiology Imaging Facility provides resources, expertise and collaborative opportunities for scientists and clinicians. From cutting-edge imaging technologies to data analysis tools and training programs, this platform supports multidisciplinary efforts to improve diagnostics, treatment and understanding of complex biological systems.

Supporting advanced genetic research, the Mouse Genetics Core provides comprehensive services for generating and analyzing genetically engineered mouse models. From custom transgenic and knockout models to CRISPR-based genome editing, the core offers expertise and state-of-the-art technologies that enable investigators to explore gene function and disease mechanisms with precision.

Providing expert coordination for pediatric research, the PCRC Pool offers flexible support to investigators across the School of Medicine. Through paid and subsidized options, the program supplies clinical research coordinator effort for government, industry and investigator-initiated studies. Subsidized support is available to junior investigators and feasibility projects, helping generate preliminary data that can lead to future external funding and advance child health research.

Supporting high-quality pediatric research, the PCRU offers dedicated space, nursing, study coordination and bionutritional support for clinical studies involving children. Located on the 11th floor of St. Louis Children’s Hospital (11W19), the unit features exam and interview rooms, a procedure area and facilities for phlebotomy and sample processing — providing investigators with the infrastructure and expertise needed to conduct safe and efficient research.

Dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by HIV, Project ARK provides comprehensive care, support services and community outreach. Through clinical programs, education and research initiatives, Project ARK works to ensure access to treatment, promote prevention, and advance understanding of HIV/AIDS in the St. Louis region and beyond.