By Todd Taylor
Neuroscience and neuromedicine research at the University of Florida ranked No. 2 in NIH funding among all public universities in the U.S., according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research’s 2023 rankings.
“Neuroscience and neuromedicine research is on the rise at UF, and this ranking is a reflection of the collaborative spirit of our faculty, staff and trainees and their commitment to improve brain health and solve the most pressing challenges in our field,” said Jennifer Bizon, Ph.D., chair of UF’s department of neuroscience and director of the Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida.
UF’s Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery ranked No. 2 among all universities — public and private — with $20.9 million in NIH funding in 2023. A year ago, the department ranked No. 3 among public universities and No. 4 overall.
The neurosurgery department also boasts two Top 5 NIH-funded principal investigators for 2023: Brian Hoh, M.D., M.B.A., chair of the department, ranks No. 1 and Duane Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D., co-director of UF’s Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, ranks No. 4.
“This ranking speaks to our mission to improve the scientific understanding of neurological diseases and develop novel therapies to improve care for our patients,” said Hoh.
With $31.8 million in NIH funding, UF neurosciences — a combined ranking of the departments of neuroscience and neurology — ranked No. 2 among public universities and No. 3 overall. In 2022, UF neurosciences ranked No. 3 among public universities and No. 5 overall.
“This rise illustrates the variety of outstanding research we have underway in both the foundational sciences and clinical research initiatives and is a testament to innovative collaborations with UF departments, institutes and centers,” said Michael S. Jaffee, M.D., chair of UF’s department of neurology.
Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research rankings, published annually, are derived from data compiled and released by the NIH shortly after the federal fiscal year ends. Visit brimr.org to learn more.