Clinical and translational research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is thriving.

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne, Predators executive leaders, executives from Tri Star Energy (Twice Daily) and team mascot Gnash recently presented the proceeds of the team’s 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Pediatric allergic diseases — food, drug, seasonal allergies — and anaphylaxis, a potentially life threatening allergic reaction, are on the rise and researchers are working furiously to understand, prevent and treat these conditions.

An interdisciplinary team of Vanderbilt University researchers has received a two-year, $2-million federal grant to develop an “organ-on-chip” model for two genetic forms of epilepsy.

Steven Webber, MBChB, MRCP, delivered the annual State of the Department of Pediatrics address on Tuesday, with growth and quality improvement serving as recurring themes along with a focus on the department’s four mission areas — discovery, clinical care, education and advocacy, service and community partnerships.

Kevin Ess, M.D., Ph.D., Gerald M. Fenichel Professor of Neurology, has received two grants from the Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood Foundation (AHCF).