Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research and Evaluation Center

The Mary Ann & J. Milburn Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research and Evaluation Center advances innovative research to improve the well-being, health, and healthcare of diverse populations of children. Our research and evaluation activities are centered around the core values of rigor, innovation, efficiency, sustainability, trust, equity, collaboration, and cultural humility.

Faculty and research professionals of the Smith Child Health Center engage in extramurally and philanthropically supported research to advance knowledge about the natural history, biological, psychological, social and environmental causes of common and prominent child health problems. Our research is used to inform patients, families, communities, health system leaders, and policymakers. Much of our program evaluation work is conducted in partnership with the Patrick M. Magoon Institute for Healthy Communities and community-based organizations as evidence is translated into clinical and public health interventions.  In addition, the Smith Child Health Center works in partnership with the Division of Advanced General Pediatrics and Primary Care at Lurie Children’s to train the next generation of child health professionals and researchers with its interdisciplinary, collaborative, and public health-centered approach to investigation in a fellowship program that sponsors its trainees to acquire master’s-level training in research.

About the Center

Launched in 2000 with a generous gift from Mrs. Mary Ann Smith in memory of her late husband, J. Milburn Smith, the center consists of several core research programs that possess unique expertise and resources. Together the programs strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and academic competitiveness. The center is well positioned as a leader and key participant in the area of population health

Specific research groups include:

• Smith Child Health Catalyst
  • Research and evaluation services (formerly known as the Evaluation Core and Multidisciplinary Digital Engagement Core)
  • Voices of Child Health in Chicago
  • Pediatric Practice Research Group (PPRG)
    
    
• Teamwork to Reduce Infant, Child, & Adolescent Mortality (TRICAM)
  
  
• Investigators & Labs
  • ARISE Health Lab (Adversity, Racism, Inequities, Structures and Empowerment)
  • Center for Allergy & Asthma Research (CFAAR)
  • Family & Child Health Innovations Program (FCHIP)
  • Foster Health Lab
  • Genetics & Justice Laboratory

Initiate, Inquire, Innovate, Inspire ("4 I's") Seminar Series

The 4 I’s seminar series is a monthly opportunity to exchange research ideas and obtain feedback on projects at any stage in the research cycle, from concept to dissemination of results. The seminars are co-hosted by the Smith Child Health Center and the Divisions of Advanced General Pediatrics and Primary Care, Emergency Medicine and Hospital Based Medicine. Contact us at iiiisessions@luriechildrens.org to learn more.