Participate in Research

Our mission is to conduct research that characterizes and targets WS-specific health problems, including mental/behavioral health and underlying biological changes. Here are the research initiatives our center is actively engaging in: 

• We are conducting a natural history Genotype-Phenotype Study to define which genetic changes are responsible for certain manifestations of WS. We aim to understand which treatment approaches – including medical, behavioral, and educational – are most beneficial for overcoming challenges associated with WS.
• We are building a Biobank enabling the development of new laboratory tools and models to study WS. 
• The FLIGHT-WS program for individuals with Williams syndrome aims to develop and implement the knowledge, resources, and supports to assist teenagers and young adults in making a successful transition out of high school and into adulthood.
• We participate in CReWS (the Collaborative Registry for Williams Syndrome), led by a community of scientists and physicians from 10 WS clinics across the US to share knowledge, create unified health guidance, and perform collaborative research. 

To get involved in research, please contact ace-ws-research@pennmedicine.upenn.edu with “Research” in the subject line