University Times

For the second consecutive year, the School of Pharmacy ranks in the top 10 among the nation's schools and colleges of pharmacy when measured by research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Funding from the NIH is viewed as a benchmark for a school's research programs because of the competitive and rigorous peer-review process required to receive NIH funds.

According to data compiled by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Pitt now ranks 6th in the nation, moving up one notch from 7th place in 2001.

"This recognition provides solid evidence of the faculty's commitment in their pursuit of excellence in research," said Dean Randy P. Juhl.

In 1999, with support from the University, the school created the Center for Pharmacogenetics to study the interface between drug response and genetics. Recent strengthening of the school's research programs in drug and alcohol abuse, neuroendocrine psychopharmacology, pharmacogenetics, and others have resulted in an increase from less than $1 million to more than $5 million in NIH funding in the past two years.

This places the school in the top tier of the nation's research-intensive schools of pharmacy and provides a valuable and complementary resource for the school's teaching and clinical care programs.