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Research at Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel

Schneider Children’s, Israel’s only comprehensive tertiary care hospital dedicated exclusively to children, combines advanced medical care with extensive research. Our studies span a wide range of medical fields and contribute to groundbreaking advances in pediatric medicine worldwide
Date: 27.10.25 | Update: 29.10.25



When Care and Research Go Hand in Hand
Schneider Children’s, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, is a leading center for pediatric medical education and research.

At Schneider Children’s, clinical care and scientific curiosity go hand in hand. Our medical teams see it as part of their mission to ask questions, seek new knowledge, and explore better ways to heal. They stay up to date with the latest professional advances, study innovative treatments and technologies, and work across disciplines to find effective solutions to complex medical challenges - all for the benefit of our patients: your children.

As part of our close collaboration with Tel Aviv University, many of our physicians also teach and mentor medical students, helping to train the next generation of pediatricians in Israel. This dynamic exchange between research, education, and clinical care lies at the heart of Schneider Children’s.

Over the years, our teams have led numerous groundbreaking studies that have advanced pediatric medicine worldwide. Among our distinguished researchers are Prof. Rina Zaizov Marx (of blessed memory) and Prof. Zvi Laron, both recipients of the Israel Prize for Medical Research.

One of Schneider Children’s most distinctive strengths is the ability to turn research into care - translating discoveries directly into better treatment: preventing disease, enabling early diagnosis, improving outcomes, and enhancing every child’s quality of care.
 
Highlights of Schneider Children’s Groundbreaking International Research: 

Endocrinology & Diabetes
Leading an international effort to establish a global consensus on diabetes-related antibodies in individuals without diabetes.
Developed a growth-promoting formula with an effect comparable to growth hormone.

Nephrology
Based on a study led by Schneider Children’s researchers, a shortened steroid protocol is now recommended for children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.

Pulmonology
Identified variability in disease severity among patients with cystic fibrosis.
Introduced an innovative treatment for nasal bleeding in HHT, now included in international guidelines.

Gastroenterology, Nutrition & Liver Diseases
Leading the update of international guidelines for celiac disease.
Developed new personalized diagnostic tools for inflammatory bowel diseases.

Anesthesiology
Raising awareness of the growing use of opioids among children and adolescents, highlighting risk factors for long-term dependency.

Day Care Unit
Established a unified treatment framework for adolescents experiencing long-term effects of COVID-19.

Rheumatology
Leading the development of a consensus treatment plan for PFAPA syndrome, in collaboration with the American College of Pediatric Rheumatology.

Infectious Diseases
A study on cytomegalovirus (CMV) led to changes in neonatal treatment protocols for infants born to mothers infected during pregnancy – shifting practice from symptom-based monitoring to early ganciclovir therapy and prevention of transmission.
The findings also prompted the introduction of CMV screening for pregnant women.

What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a medical study that examines new diagnostic methods, treatments, or approaches to improving quality of life for patients. It may involve new medications or existing drugs used for different indications, cutting-edge technologies, innovative medical devices, therapeutic procedures, or lifestyle interventions (such as nutrition).

Why participate in a clinical trial?
Over the years, Schneider Children’s has earned its place as a leading center for pediatric innovation and research.
Participating in a clinical study offers access to the most advanced tests and treatments – often before they become available to the general public, and always free of charge. At the same time, by taking part you also contribute to discoveries that shape the future of children’s health and help advance pediatric medicine worldwide.

Participation in clinical studies is entirely voluntary. Every patient has the right to decline or withdraw from a study at any time, without this affecting the quality of their medical care in any way. Patients will always continue to receive the best available treatment.

Before deciding whether to take part, patients are encouraged - and fully entitled – to consult with their treating physician, the medical team, or family and friends.

Possible benefits of participating in a clinical trial
  • Early access to innovative treatments and diagnostic methods
  • Close and professional medical follow-up by the research team
  • Personalized care and attention
  • An opportunity to receive optimal treatment when no standard therapy exists
  • Tests, visits, and treatments are provided free of charge
  • Contribution to the advancement of science and medicine - helping to develop future diagnostic tools, medical devices, and therapies
Possible risks of participating in a clinical trial
  • The investigational treatment may not be suitable or effective for every participant
  • Some participants may receive a placebo instead of the investigational treatment
  • Additional visits, blood tests, or procedures may be required
  • In interventional studies, unexpected side effects - including serious ones - may occur
  • Participants must inform any other healthcare providers about their participation in the study
Before enrolling, each participant will receive a detailed explanation about the specific benefits and potential risks of the study.

What should be considered before agreeing to participate?
Before joining a study, participants should receive clear and detailed information about its nature, duration, and the potential benefits it may offer for their condition.
Most of this information is provided in the Informed Consent Form, which participants review and sign before enrollment. Each participant also receives a personal copy of the signed form.

What is an Informed Consent Form?
The Informed Consent Form is a legal and ethical document designed to ensure that participants fully understand the purpose of the research, potential risks and benefits, and their rights before agreeing to take part.

The form typically includes:

Purpose of the study - a clear explanation of its objectives
  • Participation process - what the participant will be asked to do (tests, treatments, questionnaires, etc.)
  • Risks and benefits - possible physical, psychological, or other effects
  • Confidentiality - how personal information will be protected
  • Right to refuse or withdraw - emphasizing that participation is voluntary
  • Contact information - for questions or reporting issues
Questions to consider and ask before joining a study
  • What is the purpose of the study?
  • How many participants will take part?
  • What treatment will the patient receive?
  • What side effects might occur?
  • What are the potential benefits?
  • How long will the study last?
  • Will hospitalization or additional tests be required?
  • Are there alternative treatment options?
  • What kind of follow-up care will be provided?
  • How might participation affect daily life?
  • Whom should I contact if I feel unwell during the study?
The specific risks and benefits of each study are detailed in the Informed Consent Form, which participants review and sign before enrollment.

How can I find a study that might be suitable for me or my child?
  • Your treating physician at Schneider Children’s is the first point of contact.
  • Ministry of Health Clinical Trials Website - allows filtering by institution (select Schneider Children’s) and by active recruitment status.
  • NIH Clinical Center - provides information on international studies.

Stages of joining a clinical trial
  1. Initial inquiry - consult with your physician or search the online databases
  2. Meeting the research team - receive a detailed explanation of the study
  3. Review of the Informed Consent Form - outlining rights, risks, and benefits
  4. Signing the form - only after full understanding
  5. Beginning participation - according to the study schedule
Oversight and ethics in clinical research - how are participants protected?
To ensure participants’ safety, well-being, dignity, and rights, each study must be approved in advance by an Ethics Committee (The Helsinki Committee) composed of physicians, public representatives, lawyers, clergy, pharmacists, and administrators.
In addition, approval is required from the hospital administration and, in some cases, the Ministry of Health.

Oversight bodies at the Ministry of Health, the Clalit group, and Schneider Children’s conduct rigorous audits to ensure that studies comply with regulations and approved protocols. Findings are reported to the ethics committees, Schneider Children’s management, and the Ministry of Health. When necessary, corrections are required and monitored for implementation.

In summary
Participation in a clinical trial is an important opportunity to receive innovative care, contribute to medical progress, and be accompanied by a professional, dedicated, and compassionate research team.
The decision is always yours – and we are here to support you with any questions or concerns.

Contact Us

For information about active studies and eligibility:
Dana Reznik, Director of the Research Authority
Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel


The attached General Privacy Notice is applicable for participants in the MISSION study from EU countries:
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