MUSC continues upward trajectory in research funding

More than $230 million in health research funding breaks state records

CHARLESTON, SC – September 13, 2010 – Despite a fiscally-challengingyear, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) continued arecord-breaking trend regarding research funding. Research awardssurpassed the $200 million mark for the third year in a row with a $16.6million dollar increase since 2009.

The 2010 total of $234,153,146 includes approximately $136 millionfrom the National Institutes of Health (NIH). ARRA funding, commonlyknown as the economic stimulus package, totaled $27,083,322 through theNIH.

Federal sources continue to be the main foundation of research fundingat MUSC, with awards totaling $155,625,371. Other large sources ofresearch funding include corporate funding of $ 30,612,486, and privatedonations designated for research soaring to $10,676,888.

The ability to achieve continued growth in our research funding inthe face of increasing budget pressure is very impressive. It reflectsthe extraordinary talent and commitment of the research teams and themany individuals that support our research mission here at MUSC,said Stephen M. Lanier, Ph.D., MUSC Associate Provost for Research and pharmacology professor.

While local and state economies continue to struggle, MUSC’sresearch growth positively impacts the economy. MUSC President Dr. RayGreenberg noted the continued importance of the state’s Centers ofEconomic Excellence program (CoEE) and the South Carolina ResearchInfrastructure Act (SCRIA), both of which allow MUSC to recruit the bestscientists to South Carolina and create university-based researchcenters in areas that will help grow South Carolina’s economy and createjobs. 

This new record in research funding is a tribute to the outstandingresearchers on our faculty who are at the forefront of medical science.They are advancing medical science and, in the process, helping to improve the health of South Carolinians, he said.