Medical school’s research ranking climbs

The Wayne State University School of Medicine climbed to number 22 of the nation’s 125 medical schools in the latest rankings released by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The rankings are based on total research expenditures and reflect an excess of $99 million in research funding to the School of Medicine faculty in 1998, the latest year reported.

The school moved from 25th spot based on $89 million in total research expenditures in the last reporting year. WSU has climbed 10 spots in the past five years, from a ranking of 32 with $57 million in 1993.

The NSF rank reflects all research spending, including federal grants.

“These rankings reflect the tremendous productivity of our faculty,” noted John Crissman, MD, dean of the School of Medicine. “What’s more, our climb illustrates the relative strength of our faculty and programs compared to other institutions nationally.”

Thomas Uhde, MD, associate dean for research, said, “Considering the intense competition and pressure for research funding nationally, this is an impressive achievement.” He added, “Even more impressive is that those institutions who share a top 25 ranking with the WSU School of Medicine have a much greater number of endowed professorships. This indicates that WSU is among the very best academic health systems in terms of getting an excellent return on its research investment.”

University advances to 64th in rankings

Wayne State University advanced four places in the overall NSF ranking, to 64th among all U.S. universities and 46th among public universities.

“Continuing growth in research is a high priority for the university,” said Dr. George Dambach, vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School. “We plan to continue our research by substantial annual investments in recruiting new faculty and renovating research facilities.”

Research expenditures at WSU will be approximately $150 million this year with the help of the largest sponsor of research at the university, the federal government.