Research in Organ Transplantation

The research we perform at the Ohio State Comprehensive Transplant Center covers basic, translational and clinical, with the goal of developing the next generation of surgical innovation.

What we learn at the bench, we apply to the bedside.

From Our Experts

Kidney Recipient speaking with Dr. Todd Pesavento in exam room

A new path beyond lifelong immunosuppression

Todd Pesavento, MD, led research on a combined kidney and bone marrow transplant approach to promote immune tolerance and reduce lifelong immunosuppressive use.

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Dr. Ginny Bumgardner holding flask of red liquid used for research

Transforming lives, one organ transplant at a time

From surgery to research to mentoring, Ginny Bumgardner, MD, PhD, is saving lives and empowering others to do the same.

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Dr. Ken Washburn wearing surgical scrubs, mask and goggles

With thousands awaiting organ transplants, Ohio State surgeon is expanding organ availability to save more lives

Kenneth Washburn, MD, was recruited to transform Ohio State’s transplant program, and he’s not done yet, with a focus on expanding living organ donation.

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Dr. Bryan Whitson wearing a white lab coat with surgical robot in the background

Making more organs available for lung transplants

Transplant surgeon and researcher Bryan Whitson, MD, PhD, is pushing the limits of transplant science.

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Active Clinical Trials

Kidney Transplant

Liver Transplant

Lung Transplant

Multi Organ Transplants

Islet Transplant

Infectious Disease

Active Research Grants

  • Sylvester Black, MD, PhD and Blake Peterson, PhD: NIH NIDDK R01 grant – $3,230,000
    Targeting Intracellular CD38 to Reduce Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Liver Transplantation, 
    9/1/2026 - 6/30/2030
  • Ginny Bumgardner MD, PhD: NIH NIAID T32 grant – $2,326,965
    Advancing Research Training in Immunology for Surgery Trainees (ARTIST),
    8/1/2014–7/31/2029
  • Ginny Bumgardner MD, PhD: NIH NIGMS T32 grant – $4,189,808
    Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University,
    7/1/2021–6/30/2026
  • Ginny Bumgardner MD, PhD: NIH NCATS T32 grant – $1,500,000
    Predoctoral Research Training in Clinical and Translational Science, The Ohio State University,
    10/2023–10/2028
  • Ginny Bumgardner MD, PhD: NIH NIAID R38 grant – $2,063,065
    OSU Stimulating Access to Research in Residency,
    7/1/2024–6/30/2029
  • Ginny Bumgardner MD, PhD: NIH NIAID T35 grant – $525,850
    Short-term Research in Immunology and Virology Experience (STRIVE),
    5/1/2025–4/30/2030
  • Austin Schenk, MD, PhD: NIH NICHD R01 grant – $2,535,815
    Impact of Ableism and State Laws Designated to Mitigate Ableism on Organ Transplant Equity for Kidney Transplant Candidates with Intellectual or Development Disabilities,
    8/1/2024–6/30/2029
  • Bryan Whitson, MD, PhD: NIH NHLBI R01 grant – $784,227
    Investigating an Artificial Blood Substitute HBOC to Support Extended Duration Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion,
    7/15/2025–4/30/2029
  • Bryan Whitson, MD, PhD and Hua Zhu, PhD: NIH NHLBI R01 grant – $3,100,000
    Novel Targeted Modified mRNA Delivery in Donation After Circulatory Death Heart Transplantation,
    7/1/2026–6/30/2030
  • Bryan Whitson, MD, PhD and Hua Zhu, PhD: NIH NHLBI R01 grant – $3,100,000
    Vascular Dysfunction and Lung Allograft Health, 8/4/2026–8/3/2030,

Laboratories and Research Programs