At the Isabel Davis Center for Safe Children, our research program is built on one unshakable belief: no child should die without explanation, and no family should be left without answers.
Our team of scientists, clinicians, and investigators work across disciplines to uncover the causes of Sudden Unexpected Death in Pediatrics (SUDP), including SIDS, SUID, and SUDC. We pair genetic discovery with physiological modeling, environmental analysis, and investigative reform—turning the most tragic losses into actionable knowledge and future prevention.
Whether we’re identifying genetic variants in infants, studying how the body fails to respond to stress during sleep, or training law enforcement to improve death scene investigations, our mission is rooted in science and humanity.
Explore the core areas of our research below:
Research Areas
Discover how our team investigates the biological, environmental, and systemic factors contributing to sudden pediatric deaths—from gene discovery to environmental risk modeling.
Genetic Sequencing
We will soon offer free genetic sequencing for all SIDS, SUID, and SUDC cases. Email us at idcsc@bcm.edu for more information.
We utilize genetically engineered mice, custom software platforms, and preclinical screening tools to investigate the effects of genetic mutations identified in SIDS/SUDC cases.
Epidemiology & Environment
Discover how our work in exposomics and population health highlights disparities and reveals new pathways to prevention in underserved communities.
Explore how we work ethically with bereaved families, offering memorialization, grief support, and research participation opportunities that honor each child.
Family-Engaged Research
Death Scene Investigation Reform
Read about our law enforcement training initiative and how we’re improving the accuracy, completeness, and compassion of infant death investigations across Texas.