In the realm of biomedical research, securing funding is a testament to an institution’s record of scientific accomplishments and potential for further advances to improve human health. In 2023, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis received the second highest amount of funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of all medical schools nationwide. This ranking, the highest in two decades, reflects the school’s commitment to cutting-edge research and positions it as a key player in shaping the future of medicine.
“Our success is built on a vision: one team with complementary skills — researchers, clinicians, educators and staff — working together to advance medical knowledge, improve health care, and promote the health and well-being of the people in our local and regional communities, and around the world,” said David H. Perlmutter, MD, the George and Carol Bauer Dean of Washington University School of Medicine, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs, and the Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Distinguished Professor. “In this shared pursuit, research is the key that unlocks the doors to a healthier, more equitable world for all. A collaborative spirit and unity of purpose fuels the progress that we have made and continue to make toward that goal.”
When he became dean of the School of Medicine in 2016, Perlmutter launched a strategic initiative to expand the school’s research infrastructure and programs, with a goal of increasing NIH funding to the second highest level in the country. That target was reached last year when School of Medicine researchers received awards totaling $583.6 million from the NIH. This represents a growth in total funding of more than $200 million since 2016, the largest increase among the top five U.S. medical schools. Over that same period, the number of NIH-funded investigators at the School of Medicine has risen from 494 to 684, and the average amount of funding per investigator grew 12.7%, from $757,000 to $853,000.
A strong base of NIH funding not only enables School of Medicine scientists to conduct the groundbreaking research that will lead to better health for all, it also attracts top-tier faculty and students who elevate the caliber of the academic community and promote an environment of innovation and excellence. In addition, NIH funding stimulates local and regional economies by creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and fostering a culture of scientific innovation that attracts further investment. Every $1 million in research funding creates 11 local jobs, drawing people to St. Louis and to Washington University.
The School of Medicine is home to more than 1,000 NIH-funded projects and programs. Among the grants newly funded in 2023 are $7 million to investigate the effects of opioid use during pregnancy on fetal development, $11 million to study Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome, and $5 million to develop better drugs for river blindness, a tropical disease common in Africa caused by parasitic worms. In particular, 31 WashU investigators were awarded their first R01 grants in 2023, a milestone accomplishment. The grants provide three to five years of support for investigator-initiated projects with a high degree of novelty and creativity, clear relevance to public health and solid preliminary data. R01 grants are extremely competitive — only about 10% of applications are funded — and receiving one is a major professional achievement.