Department of Anesthesiology Research
physician intubating a patient in the operating room
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Email: AnesthesiologyResearchAdmin@massgeneralbrigham.org
Call: (617) 726-9252
Overview
The Department of Anesthesiology at Mass General Brigham is a global leader in advancing perioperative medicine through innovative, multidisciplinary research. The breadth of our research reflects the wide-ranging scope and multidisciplinary nature of anesthesiology as a clinical specialty. Our investigators lead a diverse portfolio that ranges from cutting-edge basic and translational science—exploring the mechanisms of pain, consciousness, inflammation, and organ protection—to innovative clinical research aimed at improving patient safety and outcomes.
To support these programs, the department fosters collaboration among clinicians, scientists, engineers, and data experts, leveraging large-scale clinical data, novel technologies, and rigorous trial design to accelerate discovery. This unified research enterprise is committed to transforming anesthesiology and perioperative care while training the next generation of physician-scientists and research leaders.
Research Focus Areas
Clinical trials and patient safety research are central to our mission, with teams leading multicenter studies designed to improve anesthesia care and postoperative outcomes. We aim to advance monitoring technologies, reduce complications, and establish best practices.
Our translational and basic science programs drive discovery at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels to inform advances in clinical care. Researchers investigate fundamental mechanisms of consciousness, pain, inflammation, and organ protection, bridging the gap between laboratory insights and real-world applications in perioperative medicine.
Advancing Perioperative Care Through Innovative Clinical Research
Learn More About Clinical Research in Anesthesiology
Pioneering Basic Science Research in Anesthesiology
Learn More About Basic Science in Anesthesiology
The Research Environment at MGB Anesthesiology
Research in the department is funded through grants from the federal government, foundations, and industry, and is conducted by both basic scientists and by clinical anesthesiologists. Areas of basic, translational, and clinical research include a broad array of topics, reflecting the diversity, complexity, and reach of anesthesiology as a clinical specialty. Dedicated infrastructure—such as the Anesthesia Research Center—provides end-to-end resources for our research community for study design, implementation, and analysis.
Departmental investigators frequently collaborate with researchers in other departments, catalyzing and further enhancing the rich scientific environment at MGB, Harvard Medical School, and its associated hospitals and institutions. Productive collaborations between industry and departmental investigators in our laboratories, operating rooms, and ICUs have facilitated a strong translational pathway for the development of new drugs, devices, and procedures.
Together, these elements foster a dynamic and innovative research community committed to advancing anesthesiology, critical care, pain medicine, and perioperative outcomes.
Anesthesia Research Center (ARC)
The Anesthesia Research Center serves as a central hub for advancing discovery and innovation across the MGB Department of Anesthesiology. It brings together investigators, clinical trials specialists, and research staff within a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. The Anesthesia Research Center provides critical infrastructure to support translational and clinical research, including biostatistics and informatics expertise, regulatory and clinical trial support, and access to shared laboratory and clinical research facilities. In addition to enabling high-impact science, ARC plays a key role in research training by fostering mentorship and promoting career development for emerging investigators. Through these efforts, it accelerates the translation of scientific discovery into improved perioperative care and patient outcomes.
Training and Fellowships
Shaping the Future of Anesthesiology
Mass General Brigham trains over 280 residents and fellows annually within a department that combines clinical excellence with significant research investment and impact.
All trainees within the department—including residents and fellows—engage in meaningful clinical and research experiences. Our department’s world-renowned clinicians and investigators are committed to achieving the highest levels of excellence in medical care, scientific pursuits, and training. We do this in an intellectually stimulating, inclusive, collegial, and supportive environment, to ensure trainees are equipped to achieve their highest potential.
Through its comprehensive training ecosystem, the department is committed to developing leaders who will drive innovation, improve patient care, and shape the future of anesthesiology worldwide.
An airway workshop is depicted.
A trainee in the MGB Department of Anesthesiology is shown participating in an airway workshop.
Explore training opportunities
“The convergence of cutting-edge science, collaborative clinical environments, and a deep commitment to innovation positions the MGB Department of Anesthesiology to answer some of the most important questions in perioperative medicine. From advancing our understanding of brain states under anesthesia to improving patient recovery, the work being done at MGB has the potential to transform patient care on a global scale.”
Ken Solt, MD
- Vice Chair of Research
- Professor of Anaesthesia