Why University Research Funding Matters: How NIH Grants Are Fueling Medical Breakthroughs Across America

When universities secure major research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it doesn't just mean more lab equipment—it means faster medical breakthroughs that eventually reach patients. The University at Buffalo's health sciences schools recently demonstrated this impact, with their researchers receiving over $65 million in NIH funding during fiscal year 2025, positioning the institution among the nation's leading medical research centers.

What Do These Rankings Actually Tell Us About Medical Progress?

The Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR) ranks medical schools and health sciences programs across the country based on total NIH funding received. This metric matters because NIH funding fuels clinical trials, peer-reviewed studies, and the foundational research that eventually becomes tomorrow's treatments. The University at Buffalo's performance in these rankings reflects the quality and scope of research happening in Western New York—work that extends far beyond the region.

"Our faculty are leveraging critical NIH funding for research that is leading to new health care innovations and knowledge, all with a goal of improving the lives of people and communities around the globe," explains Dr. Allison Brashear, vice president for health sciences and dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the university.

Which Schools and Departments Are Leading the Way?

The University at Buffalo's health sciences schools showed impressive performance across multiple disciplines. The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences ranked 77th nationally among medical schools—an improvement of four positions from 2024 and the school's strongest showing in over two decades—with researchers receiving $49.3 million in NIH funding.

Beyond the medical school, other health sciences programs demonstrated significant research strength:

• School of Dental Medicine: Ranked 13th nationally with nearly $7 million in NIH funding, positioning it among the nation's top dental research programs.
• School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences: Ranked 25th nationally with just over $7 million in NIH funding, supporting drug development and pharmaceutical innovation research.
• School of Public Health and Health Professions: Improved eight positions to rank 33rd nationally with $7.4 million in NIH funding, advancing population health and disease prevention research.
• School of Nursing: Moved up 17 spots to rank 38th nationally with $1.7 million in NIH funding, supporting clinical nursing research and patient care innovations.

Within the Jacobs School, several departments ranked among the nation's top 50 research programs. Biomedical Engineering (a joint department with the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences) ranked 12th nationally, while Ophthalmology placed 36th, Physiology 38th, Emergency Medicine 39th, and Biochemistry 45th.

How Does NIH Funding Drive Real-World Health Improvements?

Research funding translates into tangible health advances through multiple pathways. When universities receive NIH grants, they conduct randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and peer-reviewed studies that establish which treatments actually work. This evidence then informs clinical practice, FDA approval decisions, and updated medical guidelines that doctors use nationwide.

The research happening at institutions like the University at Buffalo spans critical health areas. Beyond the top-ranked departments, the Jacobs School also includes programs in Anatomy and Cell Biology (51st), Microbiology (55th), Pediatrics (55th), Neurology (56th), Pharmacology (59th), Surgery (67th), Medicine (72nd), and Pathology (77th). Each of these departments contributes to understanding disease mechanisms, developing new treatments, and improving patient outcomes.

Steps to Understanding How Research Funding Impacts Your Health

• Follow the funding trail: When you hear about a new medical breakthrough, check which institution conducted the research and whether it received NIH support—this often indicates rigorous, peer-reviewed science rather than preliminary findings.
• Recognize the timeline: Understand that research funded today may take 5-10 years to reach clinical practice, so current NIH investments are building tomorrow's treatment options for conditions affecting millions of people.
• Look for clinical trial participation: If you have a chronic condition, research institutions with strong NIH funding often recruit participants for clinical trials—a way to access cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical knowledge.

The University at Buffalo's strong showing in national research rankings reflects a broader commitment to advancing health through science. When universities secure substantial NIH funding, they're able to attract top researchers, purchase advanced equipment, and conduct the large-scale studies necessary to answer complex medical questions. This infrastructure ultimately benefits patients by accelerating the path from laboratory discovery to clinical application.