Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Research Institute

Nationwide Children's Hospital, based in Columbus, Ohio, is a leading pediatric healthcare system and home to the Abigail Wexner Research Institute (AWRI), a global pioneer in genomic medicine. The institution is renowned for its translational research in gene therapy, having developed the foundational technology for FDA-approved treatments such as Zolgensma for spinal muscular atrophy and Elevidys for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. AWRI operates one of the most robust pediatric research programs in the United States, focusing on neuromuscular disorders, rare genetic diseases, and neonatology. Through its Office of Technology Commercialization, the hospital frequently spins off biotechnology companies and maintains strategic partnerships with major pharmaceutical firms to bring bench-side discoveries to the clinical market. The campus includes advanced R&D facilities and specialized viral vector manufacturing capabilities.