USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Achieves Top 10 NIH Rankings

Feb 22, 2026, 2:49 AM
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The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM) has reached a significant milestone, with two of its departments now ranked among the Top 10 in the nation for National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. The Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery placed sixth overall and second among public universities, while the Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology secured the tenth position in the latest rankings from the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research.
This year's rankings highlight impressive progress across both basic science and clinical research, with four departments newly entering the Top 50: Molecular Medicine (Biochemistry), Orthopaedics, Otolaryngology, and Surgery. This upward trajectory underscores the robust research enterprise at MCOM and reflects the dedication of its faculty members, as noted by Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, the executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the college. Lockwood emphasized that the exceptional work of the college's scientists is crucial for advancing research discoveries and developing innovative treatments for patients in Florida and beyond.
Key to this achievement has been the college's ongoing investment in faculty recruitment, research infrastructure, and collaborative scientific endeavors. Matt Anderson, PhD, associate vice president for research administration at USF Health, stated that these rankings are a testament to the quality and competitiveness of their research programs. He highlighted that the college's investigators are addressing complex health challenges across various disciplines, leading to meaningful advancements in human health.
The Morsani College of Medicine's recent achievements build on its recognition by US News & World Report as Florida's top-ranked medical school and one of only 16 medical schools nationally awarded a Tier 1 ranking, indicating the highest level of excellence in medical education and research. This recognition is part of a broader trend of increasing research funding for the University of South Florida, which is a member of the Association of American Universities, an acknowledgment of its status as a leading national research institution.
Moreover, the college is home to the world's top NIH-funded principal investigator, Jeffrey Krischer, PhD, who has dedicated his career to diabetes research and understanding autoimmunity. Dr Krischer's NIH-funded research totals over $64 million, making him the highest-funded principal investigator globally. His efforts are supported by the Health Informatics Institute, which coordinates significant research data related to type 1 diabetes and rare diseases, further cementing the college's role in pioneering medical research.
The Morsani College of Medicine, in collaboration with its primary teaching hospital, Tampa General Hospital, serves as an integrated academic medical center for the region, providing critical healthcare services and fostering economic opportunity and innovation. The college emphasizes a commitment to clinical excellence, education, and research, aiming to improve patient care and outcomes while nurturing the next generation of leaders in academic medicine.
In conclusion, the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine's recent Top 10 rankings for NIH funding reflect a strong commitment to research excellence and innovation. The college's strategic investments in faculty and infrastructure, combined with its collaborative approach to addressing complex health challenges, position it as a leader in advancing medical science and improving health outcomes in the community and beyond.

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