Providence, R.I. – Sean Monaghan, MD is Brown University Health’s 2025 Bruce Selya Award recipient. The annual award honors rising stars in research who demonstrate outstanding commitment to academic medicine. Dr. Monaghan was recognized for his work in “Sepsis and Innovation,” Dr. Monaghan is a board-certified surgeon at Rhode Island and The Miriam hospitals, associate professor of surgery at Brown University, a member of the Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, and vice chair of research for the Department of Surgery.
The award was presented at Brown Health’s 32nd Annual Research Day at Rhode Island Hospital on Friday, November 7, which celebrates the systems’ vibrant research community and its commitment to advancing science, education, and clinical excellence across the region.
“Research and education are central to our mission, and our teams have done a remarkable job growing and strengthening that mission through the most challenging of times,” said John Fernandez, CEO and President, Brown University Health. “Brown Health also continues to play a critical role in training the next generation of academic and scientific leaders.”
Over the past year, Brown University Health achieved a record $160 million in federal research funding, marking the highest level in its history. Notable new awards include $12 million for the COBRE on Pathogens program, underscoring the health system’s culture of scientific curiosity and collaboration.
Reflecting the institution’s commitment to translating research into real-world impact, Brown University Health announced new nationally scoped clinical trials in cancer prevention launching next year. These initiatives will build on an already robust clinical trials portfolio that spans nearly every department.
In addition, planning has begun for a new clinical research building on the Bradley campus, supported by a recently awarded National Institute of Health (NIH) C06 grant of $8 million. The facility will serve as a national center of excellence in pediatric and adolescent behavioral medicine.
Suzanne Phelan, PhD, professor of kinesiology and public health and director of women’s health at California Polytechnic State University, delivered this year’s keynote presentation, “Lifestyle Interventions for Cardiometabolic Health: From Preconception Through Pregnancy, and Postpartum.” Dr. Phelan completed her postdoctoral fellowship in psychiatry and human behavior at The Miriam Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.
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