Unquestionably, an enhanced commitment to medical research will represent the next major phase for the Department. Two recently endowed chairs of pediatric research complemented by the currently under construction Pediatric Research Institute, will provide a major stimulus to the research initiative. The Louisville Twin Study, begun in 1957, is a longitudinal study of the growth and development of multiple births from infancy to adulthood. A behavior-gene mapping project led by Dr. Kay Phillips, and a study of young children's development of temperament led by Dr. Adam Matheny. Information concerning physical and intellectual growth, personality, health, and academic accomplishments is obtained for all family members as well as the offspring of twins and siblings who have reached child-bearing years.
Clinical research includes neonatal risk factors and childhood injuries.
The research program also contributes to the goals of the Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine. The Study has 4 faculty. The Kornhauser Library's collection in support of Pediatrics and the Louisville Twin Study has both clinical and research components and includes books and journals. The collection is primarily in English but covers foreign publications as well. The book collection is composed mostly of current materials.