Established in 1998 as a joint collaboration between LSUHSC, Children’s Hospital and UNO, the Research Institute for Children (RIC) conducts medical and basic science research in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of pediatric illnesses—particularly infectious diseases and diabetes. The RIC also provides research training for academic scientists, both basic and translational. A strong core of scientists interacts with clinical faculty from LSUHSC and Children’s Hospital.  Trainees include undergraduate, graduate and medical students, as well as clinical and basic science postdoctoral fellows. These individuals trained within basic science laboratories will become the translational and clinical researchers who fulfill the ultimate mission of the RIC.