Drexel University Collaborates with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on New Academic Alliance 

Innovation in science and technology

Drexel University has entered into a new alliance to expand its academic and research partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

“This initiative is the latest example of innovative collaboration among institutions within Philadelphia’s meds and eds corridor,” said Drexel President John Fry. “By cultivating new opportunities for collaboration among our talented researchers, we are laying the groundwork for tomorrow’s discoveries, the impact of which will be felt locally and internationally.”

Through the initiative, eligible non-clinical research scientists at CHOP will be offered non-tenured research track appointments as CHOP-based Drexel research faculty, at one of three colleges at Drexel: the College of Computing and Informatics, Dornsife School of Public Health or School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems. As CHOP employees, the research faculty will be located primarily at CHOP, but will engage with Drexel students, staff and faculty in their research efforts and become part of Drexel’s academic ecosystem. To qualify, candidates will be CHOP employees who hold a doctorate degree that is not a Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. Drexel faculty conducting research with CHOP colleagues may be eligible for non-traditional personnel status at CHOP while continuing to be Drexel employees based at Drexel.

“This new strategic collaboration represents a unique career opportunity for our organizations’ researchers,” said Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia President and CEO Madeline Bell. “We look forward to realizing the impact of our shared efforts.”

Candidates for both roles will be nominated for review by a Drexel and CHOP Joint Coordinating Committee, co-chaired by the chief scientific officer at CHOP and Drexel’s provost, dedicated to overseeing the program.

The alliance, which extends through June 30, 2023, creates clearer pathways for joint research activities among researchers at both institutions, while enhancing educational programs at Drexel, including adding training opportunities for Drexel doctoral and master’s students at CHOP.

The new collaboration does not alter existing affiliations between CHOP and the University of Pennsylvania, the existing relationship between Drexel and St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, or any other current partnerships.