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Our research team of physicians, engineers and computer specialists lead some of the most advanced work in fetal brain imaging in the world. We offer a range of research opportunities, including active grants, recent publications and training programs.

    Developing Brain Institute: Our Research Goals

    Our research team at the Developing Brain Institute, led by Catherine Limperopoulos, Ph.D., focuses on developing innovative, noninvasive imaging techniques that detect brain development problems early in unborn babies. Our goals include:

    • Increasing our fetal brain imaging database with data on women with normal and low-risk pregnancies
    • Finding and identifying early warning signs of brain problems in fetuses, detecting even the smallest deviations at an early stage
    • Providing timely, accurate information about prenatal heart and brain abnormalities, including structural, functional and developmental problems

    Our ultimate goal is to provide the earliest window of therapeutic opportunity for physicians to guide effective in utero medical and surgical intervention to fetuses. Such treatment can provide better health and development outcomes for children at birth and throughout their lives.

    Learn how to refer a patient for advanced diagnostic imaging

    Join a Trial

    If you'd like to learn more about our clinical trials and how you can collaborate with us or participate in one of our clinical trials, please contact our research team:
    Email us

    Benefits

    Benefits to participants in our clinical trials include:

    • Free parking during your visits to Children's National
    • $75 after each visit in gratitude for your participation in our study
    • MRI images of your baby

    Developing Brain Institute

    Join Our Research Projects

    If you'd like to learn more about our studies and how you can collaborate with us or participate in one of our clinical trials, please contact our research team.

    Watching Amarie Grow

    Amarie's mother, Kiara Crawford, marvels at how much her daughter matures month by month.
    Read Amarie's Story
    Amarie 1 month

    Amarie 1 month

    Amarie at 2 months

    Amarie 2 months

    Amarie 3 mos

    Amarie 3 months

    Amarie 4 mos

    Amarie 4 months

    Amarie 5 mos

    Amarie 5 months

    Amarie 6 mos

    Amarie 6 months

    Amarie 7 mos

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    Amarie 8 mos

    Amarie 8 months

    Amarie 9 mos

    Amarie in a bumble bee costume

    Amarie first Christmas

    Amarie's first Christmas

    Amarie at holidays

    Amarie's first Christmas

    Amarie first birthday

    Amarie's first birthday

    Amarie stands by the couch

    Amarie standing

    Amarie in high chair

    Amarie swings in a park swing

    Amarie in a floppy hat

    Amarie wearning a floppy hat