This project aims to build a new interdisciplinary research program focused on non-invasive dynamic pulmonary and airway imaging using a new low-field MRI technology. It brings together clinicians, imaging scientists, and multidisciplinary specialists to identify priority clinical problems, develop research questions, and generate collaborative NIH R01 proposals in pediatric pulmonary and airway disorders.
Specific Aims:
- To identify priority clinical problems in pediatric pulmonary and airway disorders.
- To define feasible research questions that can generate preliminary data within 1–5 years.
- To develop R01-level research aims and proposals addressing key clinical and research priorities.
The team includes clinicians, MRI scientists, engineers, and specialists across pulmonary medicine, cardiology, radiology, otolaryngology, speech pathology, surgery, and other disciplines from CHLA, USC, and broader Southern California collaborators.
Team Building Activities include:
- Identify the current priority Pediatric Pulmonary and Airway Clinical Problems: A 4-hour hybrid conference with clinical presentations and discussions is held to identify key patient populations, clinical needs, and opportunities for preliminary data collection using low-field MRI.
- Identify the current Pediatric Pulmonary and Airway research priority questions that can be answered in the next 1–5 years so that preliminary data can be obtained: A second 4-hour hybrid conference focuses on translating clinical priorities into feasible research questions, identifying potential R01 topics, required data, and manuscript opportunities.
- Develop the R01 research aims and proposals to address two of the most feasible and clinically relevant research questions: An in-person workshop brings teams together in breakout groups to develop draft research aims, refine proposals, assign roles, and establish timelines for grant submissions.
- Ongoing weekly virtual research meetings: Regular virtual meetings support continued collaboration, data review, and integration of new team members between formal events.