Two USF Health Morsani College of Medicine departments now rank among the Top 10 nationally for NIH funding, with nine programs among the Top 50 in the latest Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research rankings, up from seven last year.
The Morsani College of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery placed No. 6 overall and No. 2 among public universities, while the Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology ranked No. 10.
This year’s results reflect notable gains across both basic science and clinical research, with four departments newly entering the Top 50: Molecular Medicine (Biochemistry), Orthopaedics, Otolaryngology and Surgery.
“These results reflect the depth and strength of our research enterprise and the remarkable work of our faculty across disciplines,” said Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine. “Our exceptional scientists are advancing cutting-edge research discoveries, teaching the next generation of scientists, and ultimately developing new treatments to improve care for patients throughout our state and nation.”
USF Health leaders point to sustained investment in faculty recruitment and research infrastructure, collaborative science and strategic partnerships as key drivers of the college’s continued research expansion.
“These rankings speak to the quality and competitiveness of our research programs,” said Matt Anderson, PhD, associate vice president for research administration at USF Health. “Our investigators are tackling complex health challenges across a wide range of disciplines, translating into meaningful advances in human health.”
The rise builds upon the Morsani College of Medicine’s recent recognition by U.S. News & World Report as the top-ranked medical school in Florida and one of only 16 medical schools nationally to receive a Tier 1 ranking, the highest designation awarded. It also reflects the University of South Florida’s standing as a leading national research institution, marked by record research funding and membership in the Association of American Universities.
Blue Ridge NIH Rankings, 2025 — USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
Top 10
- Department of Otolaryngology: No. 6
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology (Physiology): No. 10
Top 50
- Department of Molecular Medicine (Biochemistry): No. 28
- Department of Internal Medicine: No. 31
- School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences (Physical Medicine): No. 32
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain & Spine (Neurosurgery): No. 36
- Department of Ophthalmology: No. 42
- Department of Orthopeadics & Sports Medicine: No. 42
- Department of Surgery: No. 45