What Is the Division of AI Research?
Children’s National Hospital has officially launched the Division of AI Research (DAIR), a bold new system-wide initiative aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) tools built specifically for children’s health. Announced on March 23, 2026, this landmark move positions the Washington, D.C.-based hospital as a dedicated leader in pediatric AI development.
DAIR functions as a central hub, connecting clinicians, scientists, engineers, and trainees who apply AI and digital health technologies to pediatric medicine. While several leading children’s hospitals invest in AI, most of their programs remain scattered across individual labs or informatics departments. By contrast, Children’s National has chosen to establish a standalone division — a decision that reflects a long-term institutional commitment to building trustworthy, clinically grounded AI for children.
Why Pediatric AI Needs Its Own Focus
Children Are Underrepresented in AI Research
AI is rapidly transforming healthcare across the board. However, children remain significantly underrepresented in AI research and development. Consider this: more than a quarter of the world’s population is under the age of 18. Yet only a small fraction of AI studies actually focus on pediatric populations.
Unique Challenges in Pediatric Medicine
Pediatric diseases are often rare. Datasets are smaller than those available for adult populations. Moreover, clinical needs are highly specialized, making it harder to develop reliable algorithms without dedicated infrastructure. Consequently, AI tools trained on adult data frequently fall short when applied to children.
“Children cannot simply rely on AI tools built for adults,” said Nathan Kuppermann, MD, MPH, chief academic officer at Children’s National and director of the Children’s National Research Institute. “If we want AI to truly improve care for children, we need research programs designed specifically around pediatric data, pediatric diseases, and pediatric clinical practice. The Division of AI Research gives us the structure to do that.”
Leadership Behind the New Division
A Globally Recognized Expert at the Helm
DAIR will be led by Marius George Linguraru, DPhil, MA, MSc, an internationally recognized leader in pediatric AI. He also serves as the Connor Family Professor and chair of Research and Innovation at Children’s National. His team has developed AI tools spanning brain imaging, cardiac diagnostics, genetic disorders, and other complex conditions — work that has helped establish Children’s National as a global leader in pediatric AI.
“Pediatric AI must think like pediatric specialists who work with limited data and the complexity of diseases unique to children,” said Dr. Linguraru. “By creating a dedicated division, we bring clinicians and scientists together to share resources, understand clinical needs, and rapidly turn ideas into real impact for patients.”
How DAIR Will Support Researchers
Hospital-Wide Resources and Mentorship
DAIR offers comprehensive, hospital-wide support for investigators. Specifically, it provides consultation, mentorship, data resources, and pathways to clinical validation. Furthermore, the division runs a project intake process that helps researchers move ideas from concept through to funded research and, ultimately, clinical use.
Through pilot funding opportunities and internal mentorship programs, DAIR bridges the gap between laboratory discovery and bedside application. Therefore, researchers no longer need to navigate institutional barriers alone.
Clinicians and researchers interested in collaborating with DAIR can register projects or submit ideas at research.childrensnational.org/dair.
Broader Goals and Future Impact
Strengthening Funding and Partnerships
Beyond internal support, DAIR is expected to enhance Children’s National’s competitiveness for federal funding, philanthropic grants, and industry partnerships. In turn, this positions the hospital to scale its AI research significantly over the coming years.
Improving Outcomes for All Children
AI tools developed specifically for pediatrics carry enormous potential. Early disease detection, precision treatment guidance, and expanded access to care — especially in regions where pediatric specialists are scarce — are all within reach. Additionally, this division advances Children’s National’s broader mission to improve the lives of children everywhere.
About Children’s National Hospital
For 155 years, Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., has delivered expert pediatric care. Today, it ranks among the top 10 children’s hospitals in the nation and earns recognition in all specialties evaluated by U.S. News & World Report. Its Research & Innovation Campus, which opened in 2021, is a first-of-its-kind pediatric hub dedicated to developing better ways to care for kids. The hospital is also home to the Children’s National Research Institute and the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation.
