University of Arizona Health Sciences Colleges Rise in NIH Funding Rankings

In a remarkable rise through the ranks, the University of Arizona Health Sciences has made significant strides in federal research funding, as evidenced by the latest rankings from the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research. Spearheading this progress, the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy has managed to maintain its impressive No. 4 national position in terms of National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding.

The Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, a nonprofit entity, assesses U.S. institutions annually based on their NIH funding—a critical measure of their research prowess and influence, given the NIH’s status as the world’s largest public funder of biomedical research.

This year, the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy saw its NIH funding swell by nearly $2.8 million, reaching a total of $18.6 million. This achievement underscores the college’s sustained leadership in pharmaceutical research and its pivotal role in the university’s overall research growth.

University-wide, the University of Arizona climbed seven places, advancing from No. 58 to No. 51 in the Blue Ridge rankings, with its total NIH funding growing from $170.5 million to $186.4 million.

Multiple programs across the university’s health sciences strengthened their standings among top research institutions nationwide:

• The Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health achieved a notable leap, advancing seven places to rank No. 30 nationally, with a $2.1 million increase in NIH funding bringing the total to $8.6 million.
• The College of Medicine – Tucson and the College of Medicine – Phoenix together increased their NIH funding to $108.2 million, moving up two ranks to No. 55. The Tucson campus contributed $79.3 million, while the Phoenix campus saw an $11 million funding increase, totaling $28.9 million.
• The College of Nursing retained its place as a top 25 program, ranking No. 24 nationally, with $3.5 million in NIH research funding.

What they are saying

Michael M.I. Abecassis, dean, College of Medicine – Tucson: “We take enormous pride in the science produced at our college, guided by so many incredible researchers whose compassion and curiosity shape the future of health and medicine. Our research spans the basic sciences, translational sciences and clinical trials, forming an arc that begins with transformative discovery and ends with clinical application.”

Brian Ahn, dean, College of Nursing: “This national recognition reflects the extraordinary dedication, expertise and creativity of our faculty, staff and students. While rankings are one measure of success, our true impact is evident in the advances we make in nursing science and the improvements we drive in care delivery for individuals, families and communities.”

Brian Erstad, interim dean, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy: “The mission statement of the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy is to improve the health and well-being of individuals in diverse and global communities. We do this not only through education but also by generating new knowledge and innovative solutions to optimize health and patient outcomes. Our Blue Ridge ranking demonstrates successful ongoing research efforts by faculty, staff and students in generating new knowledge and innovation.”

Iman Hakim, dean, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health: “I’m very proud of our public health researchers for the work they do to improve health across diverse communities, and our grant funding from the NIH reflects that, so I’m happy to see we have risen in the Blue Ridge rankings. It is important to add that our college also receives substantial research funding from other federal agencies, such as the CDC and FEMA, which are not part of NIH, so our Blue Ridge ranking only represents a portion of our research impact.”

Dr. Fredric Edward Wondisford, dean, College of Medicine – Phoenix: “A key initiative of the College of Medicine – Phoenix’s strategic focus is driving discovery across areas of the greatest clinical and scientific impact to our communities. As our research recognition and funding have grown, the potential for life-changing therapeutic innovations has also grown – placing the college at the forefront of a healthier future for Arizona and beyond.”