By Duke Medicine News and Communications

Durham, N.C. -- Duke University School of Medicine saw its research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) increase by more than 20 percent in fiscal year 2002, according to the federal agency's latest figures released this month. This rate of growth was the highest among the 15 top-ranked institutions in the nation, according to the report.

The school now ranks eighth in the country among medical schools in terms of NIH funding. In fiscal year 2001, Duke University School of Medicine finished the year in 10th place.

Dean R. Sanders Williams, M.D. commented: "The dollars we receive from the NIH provide the means to achieve our goals in research: notable discoveries that advance human health. The competition for these awards is fierce, ensuring that the U.S. taxpayer receives real value for these investments. The success of Duke faculty in competing for NIH funding reflects a pleasing combination of talent, dedication and hard work."

Duke's School of Medicine received 598 awards for a total of $245.5 million. The majority of the awards funded research grants, with the remainder going toward training grants, fellowships, research and development contracts and other awards.

The department of medicine received $79.9 million, making it the top Duke NIH grantee. Duke's department of surgery received $35 million -- more funding than any other surgery department in the country. Other Duke research areas among the nation's top 10 for NIH funding include biology, biostatistics, radiation and diagnostic oncology, psychology and pharmacology

NIH is the leading supporter of biomedical research in the United States. The level of NIH support garnered by Duke's School of Medicine is a testament to the school's position at the forefront of scientific discovery and the translation of those discoveries into medical applications aimed at the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease, Williams said.