Kennedy Krieger Institute

What it reported doing in 2024

Scientists and researchers at the hugo w. Moser research institute are leaders in the worldwide effort to prevent and treat disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and musculoskeletal system. Our investigators continue to break new ground with innovative magnetic resonance imaging technology, investigate critical areas, such as the role of genetics in developmental disorders, and develop new treatment models and therapies. Kennedy krieger is committed to sharing our knowledge that can be adapted and used by other healthcare organizations to benefit patients across the country and around the world.areas of research addressed by the research institute include the following: advanced brain imaging research - the f.m. Kirby research center for functional brain imaging within the research institute is an nih-recognized national center for the development and application of neuroimaging technology. Researchers at the kirby center use mri technology to map the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, connectivity and function of the brain. Investigators at the research institute use these techniques to study autism, adhd, adrenoleukodystrophy, brain injury, cerebral palsy, learning disorders, rett's syndrome, and numerous other disorders. Autism and neuro-psychiatric disorders research - the psychiatry department and card are involved in research projects where strides taken in the understanding of psychiatric disorders and autism spectrum disorders have improved therapies for the emotional and behavioral difficulties often seen in individuals with developmental disabilities.behavior and feeding disorders research - the neurobehavioral unit has a long history of producing data-based research in a number of areas critical to the development and treatment of behavior disorders. Today, the unit systematically explores refinements of the methods of assessing the functions of children's problem behavior.bioinformatics research - bioinformatics is the study of biology using the tools of computer science. Bioinformatics enables the study of proteins, genes, and genomes using computer algorithms and computer databases.brain tumor research - the research institute supports diverse efforts devoted to cognitive and physical rehabilitation of children with brain tumors, to understanding how tumors alter function of the child's brain and to understanding the cellular and molecular pathways responsible for brain tumor growth. More basic research using brain tumor animal models and cultured cells to identify new molecular therapeutic targets and novel genes linked to malignancy is undertaken. New therapeutic approaches are being developed in collaborations with biotechnology companies.cdc "rise" (research initiatives for student enhancement) - rise is a center for disease control and prevention funded research education program for graduate and medical students who are interested in pursuing research experiences in the field of public health. Students will have the opportunity to engage in mentored research experiences with faculty at kennedy krieger institute, jhu bloomberg school of public health, and johns hopkins school of medicine focusing on public health issues related to children. Potential research experiences are expansive and include applied and laboratory studies encompassing areas such as etiology and treatment of mental health disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, physical and psychological impact of urban environments, and child maltreatment.center for genetic disorders of cognition and behavior (the "gcb center") - the gcb center focuses on advancing research and clinical practice on genetic disorders associated with severe cognitive and behavioral impairment, in order to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Major disorders investigated by the center include fragile x syndrome, rett syndrome, and down syndrome, etc.cerebral palsy and other movement disorders research - research projects are designed to improve trea

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 100%; rating input score 100
• Program expense ratio: 90.5%; rating input score 91
• Fundraising efficiency: Limited

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 68th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 4 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 67
  • Compensation committee: Pass
  • Independent consultant: Pass
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Missing
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Pass
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Scored; rating input score 0
• Grant itemization coverage: Scored; rating input score 0
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 83.3%; rating input score 83; 31st percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 9 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -12.3%; rating input score 6; 6th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 0.17; rating input score 5; 5th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 3.86; rating input score 1; 1st percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 5.8%; rating input score 12; 12th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 5.9% per year; rating input score 100; 48th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 4.1% per year; rating input score 100; 34th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: -1.1% per year; rating input score 0; 5th percentile among comparable filings