AnnualReport2020

to our genomics laboratory’s new location within the University of South Florida Research Park in Tampa, Florida, where the DNA sequencing is performed. More than 300 patient and family samples have been obtained from six different hospitals and outreach clinics in our health care system, and a major ramp-up effort is planned over the coming years. Dr. Shazand directs the Institute’s fully equipped research laboratory. With the Joint Board’s full and generous support, the laboratory recently acquired the capability of sequencing a study participant’s entire genome via installation of a top-of-the-line Illumina NovaSeq™ instrument, combined with a robotics suite to process large sample numbers. Our enhanced sequencing capacities will produce enormous amounts of data as we acquire the DNA sequence from a projected 5,000 samples during the course of the study. We have partnered with world-class institutions, such as The Jackson Laboratory and Georgia Tech, in order to best use this wealth of data to support our health care system’s future advances in genetics and drug discovery. These partnerships will enhance our ability to capture, access, share and analyze clinical and experimental information, including diagnostics, radiographic images and genomics, elements that are critical to building a high-profile research enterprise. Dr. Shazand and research associate, Anxhela Gustafson, Ph.D., also provide next generation sequencing research support for all Shriners Hospitals for Children research investigators. Shriners Hospitals for Children is an internationally recognized leader in clinical motion analysis, and our research programs department has supported several new multicenter research projects in motion analysis as part of its strategic plan. In the simplest terms, motion analysis brings the animation techniques used in Hollywood to the clinical and research setting. In our analysis centers, high- speed cameras, reflective markers, force platforms and muscle sensors record, measure and evaluate how

a child with a mobility impairment actually moves. The data collected helps provide an understanding of the interactions between the child’s muscles, joints and bones, which helps the patient’s medical team create an effective care plan. Our network of 14 motion analysis centers represents an outstanding opportunity for developing innovative, first-in-class research projects. This year, five peer-reviewed research grant applications were funded by Shriners Hospitals with the goal of enhancing collaboration, technology and data analysis. As part of this system-wide program, the leaders of our motion analysis research community met at our headquarters in Tampa to further discuss and advance multicenter projects. The meeting included faculty representatives from Georgia Tech, who are participating in aspects of the project involving construction of a cutting-edge, compliant data management platform. Also in attendance were members of the research advisory board and Joint Board members, including Paul Poulin, M.D., Chair of the Clinical and Basic Research Committee. For the 2020 calendar year, the research programs department supports 44 basic research projects; 18 clinical research projects, involving 17 multicenter participating locations; six developmental projects, involving three participating locations; four request for proposal projects, involving three participating locations, as well 16 special shared facilities and 10 fellowships. Currently, across the Shriners Hospitals for Children system there are 307 active clinical research studies. Of these, 33 projects are multisite. These clinical research projects are focused around the conditions treated by our health care system, with 194 studies focused in orthopaedics, 46 spine studies, 36 burn-related studies, 16 studies related to metabolic conditions, six studies related to plastic surgery, seven studies associated with motion analysis, and two studies focused in other areas.

Additional highlights of ongoing, outstanding clinical and bench research successes throughout our Shriners research enterprise are presented on the following pages. Sincerely, Marc Lalande, Ph.D. Vice President, Research Programs Shriners Hospitals for Children

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