Research Areas and Initiatives | School of Medicine

Encouraging you to explore.

We're dedicated to discovery and innovation in medical research to offer a collaborative learning environment and advance patient care.

Creating lasting change in the world of health care

UNR Med holds over $66 million in grants to advance evidence-based approaches to health care 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.

Cutting-Edge Research Centers

Our centers employ some of the top researchers in the world for clinical, translational and biomedical research. The Clinical Research Center (CRC) is a 5,470-square foot facility outfitted with eleven private outpatient rooms, two blood draw stations, on-site staff and more. We also offer specialized programs including the IDeA Research Center, the International Undergraduate Research Program (IURP) and the Community of Bilingual English Spanish Speakers Exploring Health and Sciences (CBESS).

Our Facilities & Programs

Contribute to the future of health care through collaborative research opportunities

Undergraduate student research

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

Explore student research opportunities

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.

Explore graduate research opportunities

Academic faculty research

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

Community & joint faculty 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 health care industry professionals who offer their knowledge and expertise to contribute to the advancement of medical care.

UNR Med is a Top 100 NIH Research Institution

In 2023, UNR Med ranked in the top 100 schools for NIH research funding. Holding around $18 million in NIH grants, UNR Med supports the advancement of innovative research that contributes to the global medical community.

The Biomedical Research Departments are home to a NIH COBRE grant to advance cardiovascular research. Supported by an $11 million, five-year grant, this study focuses on better understanding the molecular and cellular signals that regulate the cardiovascular system.

Additionally, UNR Med faculty successfully competed and were awarded the only IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence grant in Nevada. The IDeA Research Center presents a unique opportunity to advance biomedical research infrastructure in Nevada and increase NIH funding opportunities.