Medical Research | University of Nevada, Reno |

Biomedical research innovation starts here.

At the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, we empower researchers and students to transform healthcare and address the world’s most pressing medical challenges.

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Research that drives life-changing scientific discoveries

The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine supports distinguished faculty who are leaders in womens' health, smooth muscle biology, novel therapeutics for rare muscular dystrophies, and the development of vaccines for infectious diseases. Students and faculty are engaged in basic, translational and clinical research that provides for real-world problem solving and life-changing scientific discoveries right here in Northern Nevada.

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Recent Advancements

Prestigious Katz Award of $2.3 million awarded to Elizabeth Akin, Ph.D., a graduate of the Cardiovascular COBRE Award program, providing significant support to advance innovations in cardiovascular science.

Elizabeth Akin looking into a microscope.

$379,000 awarded to research NIH Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases R21 Grant awarded to research chronic fatigue syndrome and the gut microbiome.

$291,000 awarded to support cancer research Among the limited number of researchers awarded funding from the American Cancer Society, UNR Med received $291,000 to support research on effects of cancer on microcirculation

Biomedical Research News

Ryan Gustafson in the laboratory looking through shelving with equipment such as pipets in the foreground.

Bridging the gap between discovery and care

M.D./Ph.D. program trains Nevada's next generation of physician-scientists

A group photo of the molecular biosciences graduate program orientation and symposium 2026 participants.

Molecular biosciences graduate program welcomes students at 2026 orientation and symposium

Graduate students showcase advanced research across molecular and biomedical sciences

Samantha Sipusic is PPE holding frozen samples in the biobank at UNR Med.

Advancing discovery, expanding hope

How the UNR Med and Renown Health affiliation is transforming clinical research in Nevada

Advancing healthcare with state-of-the-art facilities

Researchers at UNR Med are provided with modern lab spaces, core facilities and cutting-edge equipment. These research centers serve as hubs for scientific discovery and advancing the future of healthcare, with notable discoveries related to novel therapeutics for muscular dystrophy, smooth muscle physiology, rapid diagnostics of infectious disease, and cardiovascular arrythmias. In partnership with Renown Health, researchers at UNR Med are actively developing clinical trials and novel therapeutics to improve healthcare for our community.

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Contribute to the future of healthcare through collaborative research opportunities

UNR Med holds over $66 million in grants to advance evidence-based approaches to healthcare and improve patient outcomes. Our talented researchers are making extraordinary strides in the causes and treatments of various diseases including muscular dystrophies, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, preterm labor, cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and infectious diseases. The Biomedical Research departments are home to a Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) which established Nevada’s first cardiovascular-focused basic science center, supporting groundbreaking research in the field.

Biomedical Sciences Research

Our scientists are essential in leading innovative research that advances healthcare and provides our students with rewarding learning opportunities. Researchers are provided with modern lab spaces, core facilities, cutting-edge equipment and more.

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Clinical Research

Our community and joint faculty members are vital in training the next generation of physicians at UNR Med. We are proud to employ a diverse team of healthcare industry professionals who offer their knowledge and expertise to contribute to the advancement of medical care.

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Undergraduate student research

UNR Med offers students opportunities to gain hands-on experience and knowledge that contributes to ground-breaking advances in medical care.

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Graduate student research

At UNR Med you have the option to delve into research programs in a variety of fields and sub-specialties. We are proud to offer programs that explore topics such as microbiology and immunology, cellular and molecular pharmacology and physiology and much more.

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Contribute to world class research

Work with teams of diverse faculty and staff passionate about advancing medical research and education.

Pharmacology

The Pharmacology Department is dedicated to understanding and curing diseases through the study of chemical agents on biological systems. Our researchers combine principles of molecular biology, biophysics, electrophysiology, pathology and more to create a comprehensive foundation for deepening our understanding of treating diseases.

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Microbiology and Immunology

The Microbiology and Immunology Department studies how bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoan interact with the human body. By understanding their molecular structures, life cycles and mechanisms of pathogenesis, we help prepare the next generation of physicians, researchers and healthcare professionals to develop life-saving treatments and vaccines.

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Physiology and Cell Biology

The Physiology and Cell Biology Department conducts cutting-edge research to further understand biological mechanisms and improve healthcare outcomes. With access to numerous core facilities and distinguished faculty, our researchers foster scientist-clinician partnerships, advance clinical trials and develop novel therapeutics.

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Contribute to the global medical community from the heart of Northern Nevada.

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