UNMC sets new record for research funding for fiscal year
By Noah Johnson, NET News
Aug. 1, 2018, 4:22 a.m. ·
The University of Nebraska Medical Center brought in $135 million in research funding this fiscal year, a 15 percent increase from the previous year.
Vice chancellor for research Jennifer Larsen said UNMC saw an increase in the total number of grants, the total number of faculty on grants and the average size of grants.
“These are monies that will be spent in Nebraska,” Larsen said in a news release. “We will be able to hire Nebraskans, but also in the case of students and trainees, that they have experience in working in projects that are cutting-edge at a national level so it helps their future job opportunities as well.”
The Munroe-Meyer Institute saw a 39 percent increase in research awards this year, while the Public Health unit earned saw a 63 percent increase.
Larsen said the research awards may have an immediate impact on people participating in clinical trials.
“In some cases, these research awards are directly related to clinical trials,” Larsen said. “That means that these are new pharmaceutical agents that may make a difference in the immediate impact of the people who are participating in the trial, particularly in the areas of cancer.”
UNMC chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold said the research programs at the university will serve as a key role in the success of the medical center.
“This continued record-breaking research funding recognizes the excellence of our scientists, our facilities and the continued relevance of our research programs,” Gold said.