By Michelle Jaffee
Neurosurgery and neuroscience/neurology research at the University of Florida each ranked No. 2 in the country in National Institutes of Health funding in 2025, according to newly published rankings by the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research.
“Our researchers come to the lab every single day determined to unlock new knowledge to better treat and prevent conditions that take an immense toll — from brain cancer to stroke, dementia, movement disorders, brain and spinal cord injury and many more,” said Jennifer Bizon, Ph.D., director of the Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida and chair of UF’s department of neuroscience. “These new rankings are a recognition of the hard work of our faculty, staff and trainees to improve brain health across the lifespan.”
Among neurosurgery principal investigators nationwide, UF faculty members took the top two spots: Brian Hoh, M.D., M.B.A., chair of neurosurgery, was No. 1 with $8.1 million in funding, while Duane Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D., co-director of UF’s Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, was second with $5.9 million. Elias Sayour, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of neurosurgery, ranked No. 29 with $1.8 million.
Across all universities public and private, UF’s Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery ranked No. 2 with $19.6 million in NIH funding, while UF neuroscience/neurology — a combined ranking of the departments of neuroscience and neurology under the category “neurosciences” — ranked No. 2 among public universities and No. 3 overall, with $26.6 million in NIH funding.
“These rankings highlight the extraordinary impact of the bench-to-bedside research led by University of Florida neurosurgery faculty,” Hoh said. “Our department’s No. 2 national ranking reflects a true team effort. These achievements are possible because of the talent and commitment of our faculty, trainees, research staff and clinical teams and the unwavering support of the University of Florida and UF Health. Together, we are advancing discoveries that directly improve patient care.”
Last year, UF neurosurgery ranked No. 2 among public institutions and No. 4 overall with $12.7 million in NIH funding, while UF neuroscience/neurology ranked second among public universities and third overall with $33.1 million.
“This continued success is a direct result of scientists and clinicians working together in partnership across departments, centers and institutes to tackle some of the most vexing neurological conditions facing our society,” said Michael S. Jaffee, M.D., chair of UF’s department of neurology. “Our incredible community of collaborators is the key. As a unified force, we are pursuing innovative projects to move breakthroughs ever closer to availability for patients in need.”
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.