As research funds rose from $72.7 million in 1999 to $148.6 million in 2009, the University of Nebraska System was among only 28 U.S. colleges to more than double its federal research funding during the past decade.
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Tom Rosenquist, Ph.D. |
“It was an exciting decade for research at the University of Nebraska,” said Tom Rosenquist, Ph.D., who was vice chancellor for research at UNMC during the 1999 to 2009 spurt. “Our ranking in the ‘Elite 28’ is the result of a team effort, and the whole university should take great pride in this accomplishment.”
UNMC shines
Between 1999 and 2009, UNMC experienced a 201 percent increase in federal research grants and contracts, Dr. Rosenquist said, as its funding went from $25.4 million (adjusted for inflation) in 1999 to $76.6 million in 2009.
When this increase is compared with the top tier of universities on the Chronicle of Higher Education’s list of universities with the biggest gains in federal research funds from 1999-2009, UNMC’s increase is the second highest percentage gain of all medical centers in the country.
Commitment rewarded
UNMC has made a major institutional commitment to research, and it has paid dividends, said Dr. Rosenquist, now a professor of genetics, cell biology and anatomy who researches congenital heart defects.
“Research at UNMC and in the University of Nebraska makes a difference in people’s lives,” he said. “It has significant benefits to the health and well-being of Nebraskans and provides a significant boost to the economy.”
That's a great achievement.