News Summary

• The University of Minnesota Medical School secured more than $141 million in National Institutes of Health funding in 2010 -- critical funds that allow researchers to conduct trials and experiments that may lead to new cures and therapies for patients.
• The Medical School ranked 29th nationally in funding -- 60 percent more than the national average of $87,775,306.
• In addition, the University had three clinical departments which ranked in the top 10 of their respective fields: the Department of Family Medicine & Community Health (2); the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (4); and the Department of Neuroscience (9).

Quotes

“NIH funding is one of the most critical ways for our researchers to complete specific, targeted work within their fields. But our state funding is also critical because it allows us to put into place the facilities, faculty and systems that help us leverage that grant funding to make landmark discoveries and develop new advances. In fact, researchers often have to demonstrate a level of support from the state before a grant will even be awarded. The partnership with the state is critical for us, and it’s a partnership we’re proud of," said Aaron L. Friedman, M.D., vice president for health sciences and dean of the Medical School.

“Studies show that for every dollar in funding a University takes in, we generate two dollars in economic development by purchasing supplies, hiring new staff and – in some cases – constructing new facilities or laboratories,” Friedman said.

Full Text

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (February 2, 2011) – The University of Minnesota Medical School secured more than $141 million in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding in 2010, according to new rankings released by the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, an independent firm that compiles and releases their NIH rankings each year. The number positions the University in the top 25 percent of the 134 schools reviewed.

According to the rankings, the University of Minnesota, ranked 29th nationally, secured $141,020,100 in NIH funding in 2010, 60 percent more than the national average of $87,775,306.

“NIH funding is one of the most critical ways for our researchers to complete specific, targeted work within their fields,” said Aaron L. Friedman, M.D., vice president for health sciences and dean of the Medical School. “But our state funding is also critical because it allows us to put into place the facilities, faculty and systems that help us leverage that grant funding to make landmark discoveries and develop new advances. In fact, researchers often have to demonstrate a level of support from the state before a grant will even be awarded. The partnership with the state is critical for us, and it’s a partnership we’re proud of.”

In addition, the University had three clinical departments which ranked in the top 10 of their respective fields: the Department of Family Medicine & Community Health (2); the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (4); and the Department of Neuroscience (9).

Ten other University departments also ranked in the top 25 of their fields: Genetics (14), Radiology (14), Orthopedics (16), Neurology (17), Otolaryngology (18), Pathology (18), Pediatrics (18), Surgery (18), Emergency Medicine (21), and Pharmacology (24).

The rankings did not take into account NIH-distributed stimulus funding resulting from the U.S. Recovery Act. The University of Minnesota Medical School secured 84 stimulus grants totaling $36 million as a result of the government initiative – a large portion of which was received in 2010.

Academic medical centers are economic engines, using grants to establish research and programs that can lead to new jobs, new services and economic development opportunities. Clinical trials lead to the design of new drugs and new medical devices. Patients in academic settings also often have access to treatment options unavailable in a community hospital setting.

“Studies show that for every dollar in funding a University takes in, we generate two dollars in economic development by purchasing supplies, hiring new staff and – in some cases – constructing new facilities or laboratories,” Friedman said.

The University of Minnesota Medical School’s NIH funding has remained consistent throughout the decade, shifting from a 27th national ranking in 2001 to its current position of 29th nationally. The school has never dropped below 33rd nationally.

For more on the rankings visit: http://www.brimr.org/NIH_Awards/2010/NIH_Awards_2010.htm.