St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Science and Medicine

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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Science and Medicine

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a global leader in the research and treatment of pediatric c Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude. Follow St.

Jude Children's Research Hospital is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Jude has been named a top pediatric cancer hospital on U.S. News & World Report’s annual "Best Hospitals" list and named to Fortune magazine’s "100 Best Companies to Work For" list. Research and treatments developed at St. Jude are shared to help improve the survival rate for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases worldwide. Jude is recognized as one of the world’s premier pediatric research and treatment institutions with a focus on acute lymphoblastic leukemia, brain tumors and infectious diseases. With eight affiliate clinics across the country, St. Jude treats about 8,600 children each year. Beyond the United States, the institution’s St. Jude Global initiative seeks to improve health care for children with life-threatening disease worldwide. Follow us to discover the research, scientific discoveries, clinical care and employment opportunities at St. View our career opportunities: www.stjude.org/join-our-mission. Jude across social media at .

01/29/2026

For Global Child Health student Taiye Ibiyeye, mentorship has been a defining part of her graduate school journey, one that transformed curiosity into purpose and coursework into research with real-world impact.

As a pediatric surgeon at the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja in Nigeria, Ibiyeye entered the health economics course with limited knowledge of the field. What began as a new and challenging subject quickly became the foundation for her thesis, focused on the cost-effectiveness of centralized and decentralized childhood cancer care in Nigeria. Ibiyeye’s research is especially relevant in Nigeria, a country with limited healthcare resources. As Nigeria becomes a newly designated focus country within the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, the growing national and international attention on strengthening childhood cancer care emphasizes the importance of her work.

That shift was guided by her thesis chair and mentor, Nancy Boulos, MD, whose expertise and steady support helped Ibiyeye navigate unfamiliar territory with confidence. As an instructor in Health Economics at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and a senior research scientist, Bolous brings deep experience in costing and cost-effectiveness analyses of interventions in hematology and oncology.

Through constructive feedback, patience and clear guidance, she’s helped Ibiyeye break complex ideas into manageable steps. Bolous supported Ibiyeye throughout the development of her thesis proposal and will continue to mentor her as she carries out the project. For Bolous, effective mentorship means meeting students where they are. Drawing from her own transition from clinical medicine into health economics, she emphasizes patience and perspective.

“It’s about holding their hand at the beginning and reminding them to trust the process,” Bolous said. “When they look back, they realize just how far they’ve come.”

Together, Ibiyeye and Bolous exemplify how mentorship within the St. Jude Graduate School supports students as they develop the skills, confidence and vision needed to pursue research with long-term impact in their home countries.

01/28/2026

Childhood cancer is not simply a smaller version of adult cancer. These are different diseases from the start, shaped by biology that follows its own rules. Many childhood cancers arise when normal developmental programs shift off course. This difference from adult cancers influences how researchers identify targets and develop therapies that can truly benefit young patients.

For years, children received treatments originally designed for adults, even though the underlying mechanisms of their diseases differ. More than half of the genetic mutations that drive childhood cancers are not found in adult cancers.

“In children, the mutational burden is much lower; their tumors form because a small number of mutations cause normal development to go off track,” said Charles Roberts, MD, PhD, executive vice president and St. Jude Comprehensive Cancer Center director. This gap helps explain why adult targeted therapies have often fallen short for children who urgently need new options.

Investigators at St. Jude are working to change this reality and research has shown how studying pediatric tumors can uncover insights that reach far beyond childhood disease.

The need for treatments built around pediatric biology has never been clearer. New approaches such as targeted protein degradation, CAR T-cell therapy, RNA based therapeutics and epigenetic reprogramming are beginning to redefine what is possible.

St. Jude invests in areas where traditional drug development often falls short. By supporting early-stage projects and creating a pathway for discoveries to reach clinical testing, St. Jude helps ensure that biological insights can become real options for children who need them most.

01/26/2026

Infectious diseases are among the biggest threats facing children, particularly those who are immunocompromised. That reality is why St. Jude has a long-standing role in global influenza surveillance and vaccine preparedness as a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Influenza.

Since 1975, St. Jude has contributed data and expertise to the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, helping track how influenza viruses evolve and informing decisions about seasonal vaccines. At St. Jude, a dedicated group of researchers works directly with global experts, while broader institutional research strengthens the data used for public health decision-making.

Each year, more than 150 laboratories worldwide contribute data to vaccine strain selection meetings. Recommendations are made months in advance, which means viruses can change in the interim. “It’s a limitation of the system and the way we make flu vaccines right now,” said Richard Webby, PhD, director of the St. Jude Collaborating Center. “But even when it’s not a perfect match, it’s still a really good idea to get that vaccine.”

Even partial protection can reduce severity of illness, and the seasonal flu vaccine targets multiple strains. For vulnerable patients, protection remains an essential part of public health strategy.

01/22/2026

During National Mentor Month, Nidhi Bhatt, MD, highlights the culture of education at St. Jude. Her work, recognized by her peers as part of the St. Jude Living Our Values program, demonstrates that true leadership in medicine is not only about clinical expertise, but also about empowering others to serve with integrity and purpose.

By modeling thoughtful leadership and a commitment to purposeful action, Bhatt elevates both patient care and medical education at St. Jude. As Associate Director of the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program, Bhatt’s mentorship is defined by her ability to guide fellows with clarity, encouraging them to approach complex challenges with confidence and a sense of responsibility.

“I’m not only interested, but passionately involved in the outcome,” Bhatt said. “When I’m training and providing education and creating curriculum, I’m not only thinking about if they are learning, but I’m thinking about the longer impact. How are they going to treat patients who have catastrophic blood disorders or catastrophic cancer?” This perspective shapes her work, ensuring that each trainee is prepared to make informed decisions and to serve patients with integrity.

Her leadership extends to developing an education curriculum that equips fellows to deepen their understanding and lead with purpose. Bhatt’s clinical focus includes leading a multi-disciplinary clinic for pre-adolescent girls with hematological disorders and advancing health literacy for patients with hemophilia, both locally and internationally. She is dedicated to creating accessible educational materials that guide families through complex treatment choices.

“Dr. Bhatt is never hesitant to express her clear vision to assist fellows and to enhance the program,” said Hiroto Inaba, MD, PhD, who nominated Bhatt for doing what is right and taking ownership of what she does. “She made a significant contribution to improving the fellowship program by developing an excellent education curriculum.”

Mentorship, for Bhatt, is about creating a ripple effect. Her commitment to fostering a growth mindset in trainees encourages lifelong learning and proactive engagement, ensuring that the next generation of clinicians is prepared to meet the challenges of hematology and oncology. It is a philosophy that she lives herself. Already an established clinician, she is pursuing a master’s degree in education to help sharpen her mentorship.

01/19/2026

Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a visionary whose life’s work continues to inspire generations. Dr. King spent his life in service to others, showing us how one person’s commitment can make a profound difference in the lives of many. His influence cultivated change across the country, in the city of Memphis, and echoes in the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the first fully integrated children’s hospital in the South.

Dr. King said, “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.” At St. Jude, we see the power of this message every day. Our founder, Danny Thomas, chose Memphis as the home for St. Jude and vowed that the hospital would treat patients regardless of race, religion or ability to pay.

As stewards of scientific research and proud representatives of Memphis, we are reminded that the pursuit of compassion is ongoing. Dr. King’s legacy calls us to reflect on how we can serve our patients, families and communities with purpose and kindness, both in grand gestures and in everyday acts.

This year, St. Jude and ALSAC employees are participating in service projects at the National Civil Rights Museum to honor Dr. King, who inspires us to serve with compassion today and every day.

01/16/2026

We're happy to have our graduate students from the Global Child Health program on campus for Winter Intercession!

01/13/2026

Imagine facing a life-changing diagnosis for your child in a language that is not your own. As Alejandra Gonzalez Ruiz, MD, shares, “If you don’t have the right information in your hands, and you don’t know who to reach out to, it’s really hard to navigate a health system.”

Interpreter Services at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital help families overcome these challenges by providing clear, accurate translations of vital medical information. With the recent expansion of Spanish-language resources on the St. Jude Care & Treatment site, including clinical trial summaries and care information, families can access the information they need to make informed decisions.

Maria King, supervisor in Interpreter Services, said, “When families have access to information in their own language, they can fully grasp what’s happening, ask questions and be active participants in their child’s care.”

Spanish is the second-most common language among St. Jude patients. By making information accessible, Interpreter Services ensure that every family can advocate for their child and work alongside the medical team, no matter what language they speak.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/mhyp50XWljv

01/08/2026

At St. Jude, the blue-sky process empowers employees to propose transformational projects that advance science, medicine and the institution. As a teacher in the St. Jude school program, Mandy Little, MEd, recognized that her students could offer valuable perspectives on how to improve the patient experience at St. Jude. In 2024, she invited them to propose ideas for Teen Blue-Sky projects and guided them in brainstorming, researching and presenting their proposals. Their ideas ranged from field trips to St. Jude basic science labs to imagining more welcoming spaces for families.

When Little invited leadership at St. Jude to sit in on the students’ presentations, it resulted in more than just an A. After thoughtful questions and a feasibility study, many of the ideas were implemented. Little’s vision and encouragement inspired her students to build a better St. Jude while making her students feel seen, heard and appreciated.

Her daily work with patients reflects her commitment to supporting both academic and personal growth. “Dreaming big is important to me, especially working with patients,” she said. “It’s important to know that you don’t want to limit yourself and think about the big picture.”

By fostering curiosity and big ideas, Little helps patients recognize their potential to shape both their own futures and the future of care at St. Jude.

01/06/2026

Happy birthday to our founder, Danny Thomas. His vision for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital began as a promise and has grown into a worldwide movement for hope and healing.

Early breakthroughs at St. Jude changed the landscape of pediatric cancer, raising survival rates and setting new standards for care. Danny believed his dream—that no child should die in the dawn of life—was a concept that could unite people across borders. His vision laid the groundwork for decades of international collaboration.

Today, his dream has grown beyond the walls of St. Jude to impact patients around the world. St. Jude Global connects hundreds of partner institutions in more than 90 countries, working together to improve access to care and accelerate research. The Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines is making it possible for children in resource-limited countries to receive lifesaving treatments.

Join us in celebrating a legacy that continues to change lives. Happy birthday, Danny!

12/31/2025

In 2025, new milestones in research, care, education and global collaboration highlighted our commitment to children everywhere. From opening doors to new treatments and discovery to celebrating decades of collaborative impact, these achievements reflect the passion and perseverance at the heart of St. Jude.

As we look to 2026, we are ready to build on the progress made and remain committed to finding cures and advancing care and discovery for children worldwide.

12/29/2025

As the year winds down, we are highlighting significant progress made by St. Jude scientists in our 2025 Research Wrap Up series. Our final spotlight showcases research that provided crucial insights into the biology and treatment of pediatric cancers.

This year, St. Jude scientists continued building on the legacy of leukemia research at the institution. Novel combination strategies in high-risk leukemia revealed avenues for overcoming drug resistance and mechanistic studies in UBTF-TD AML identified therapeutic targets for this challenging leukemia.

In brain tumors, researchers demonstrated the importance of context-specific approaches for medulloblastoma, supporting the need for tailored therapies. Risk-adapted treatment strategies and new digital tools offer the potential for safer, less toxic medulloblastoma therapy.

Also, international collaboration is informing safer, more effective treatment approaches for rare brain tumors such as infant-type hemispheric glioma.

Advances in neuroblastoma research support the use of combination immunotherapy to address tumor plasticity. Finally, global clinical trials are expanding access to targeted therapies such as entrectinib for fusion-driven tumors.

These discoveries are shaping the future of pediatric cancer care by enabling more precise, less toxic and globally accessible therapies.

Swipe to see this year’s major advances in pediatric cancer research.

12/23/2025

This holiday season, we celebrate the hope that shines through every breakthrough and every child’s smile. The mission of St. Jude lives in all of us through our shared commitment to finding cures and saving children, just like the spirit of the season.

Happy holidays from President and CEO James R. Downing, MD, and the faculty and staff of St. Jude. Watch as Dr. Downing brings holiday cheer across campus with help from the iconic St. Jude snowman.

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262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN
38105

Telephone

+18662785833

Website

http://www.stjude.org/joinourmission

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Our Story

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is a pediatric cancer research center. Its mission is to find cures for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases through research and treatment. Founded in 1962, St. Jude is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children.

In 2017, St. Jude was named the No. 1 pediatric cancer hospital on U.S. News & World Report’s 28th Annual "Best Hospitals" list. The hospital has also named to Fortune magazine’s "100 Best Companies to Work For" for nine consecutive years. Research efforts are directed at understanding the molecular, genetic and chemical bases of catastrophic diseases in children; identifying cures for such diseases; and promoting their prevention. Research is focused specifically on cancers, some acquired and inherited immunodeficiencies, sickle cell disease, infectious diseases and genetic disorders. Patients at St. Jude are referred by a physician, and nearly all have a disease currently under study and are eligible for a clinical trial. Most patients seen at St. Jude are treated on a continuing outpatient basis and are part of ongoing research programs.

Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing and food. To learn about the science and medicine at St. Jude: www.stjude.org/research/initiatives.html.