Advancing Research and Innovation

Indiana University School of Medicine is addressing the most pressing health challenges in Indiana and beyond. Research discoveries by IU School of Medicine faculty and trainees yield the building blocks for tomorrow’s most needed medical breakthroughs.

two researchers prepare samples together in the lab
$233M
in NIH research funding
15th
in NIH funding among U.S. public medical schools
$627 M
in estimated annual economic activity generated in Indiana from NIH funding
2,287
estimated Indiana jobs created as a result of NIH funding
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a researcher in a white coat prepares a sample in the lab

Basic and Clinical Science Departments

IU School of Medicine researchers work to discover the most promising breakthroughs and move new knowledge into tangible health benefits for patients.

Liana Apostolova with a patient from her research study

Clinical Studies

Clinical studies test the safety and effectiveness of new drugs and treatments. Nearly all medical treatments used today began with clinical studies.

chandy john speaks with students in his lab

Research Centers

Centers support innovative and collaborative research to solve some of the most difficult diseases facing society today.

kathy miller and Harikrishna Nakshatri walk and discuss their work

Institutes

Spanning IU School of Medicine and IU Health, institutes enable a team-based approach to provide superior care to Hoosiers today and discover new and improved care for the future.

a black graduate student works in a lab at the Gary campus

Strong National Research Funding

IU School of Medicine researchers were awarded more than $230 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2025. According to rankings released by the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, the IU School of Medicine ranks No. 15 for NIH funding among all public medical schools in the United States.

As the research program at IU School of Medicine grows, so do the benefits to our state. According to data from a 2025 report by United for Medical Research, every $1 million in NIH funding awarded to Indiana researchers created nearly 10 jobs, the income and other associated expenses from which generated $2.69 million in economic activity. Based on that data, IU School of Medicine’s 2025 NIH funding is responsible for creating about 2,287 jobs and an estimated $627 million in economic activity in Indiana — more than half of the estimated total $1.09 billion in economic activity generated in Indiana from all NIH funding in the state.

News

A woman studies a patient in her clinic.

IU-led coalition named NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana to advance treatment of musculoskeletal health conditions

A consortium of more than 170 Indiana industry, clinical and university partners will receive up to $160 million over 10 years to turn research into real-world solutions.

July 14, 2026

Two researchers pose for headshots

IU study finds obesity 'fuels' leukemia, but a combo using popular weight-loss drugs may stop it

IU cancer researchers found that obesity drives leukemia and identified a new treatment strategy combining popular weight-loss drugs with anti-inflammatory medications.

July 13, 2026

Headshot of Zainul Hasanali, against a red-toned background of a research lab.

Basic science research spotlight: Zainul Hasanali, MD, PhD

Hasanali studies the way plasma cells handle stress in order to understand how plasma cell diseases originate. The ultimate goal of his research is to develop drugs to fight myeloma (plasma cell cancer).

July 13, 2026

Headshot of Meena Madhur, smiling with her arms crossed, wearing a black blazer and white shirt, against a red-toned background of a lab.

Madhur to lead new professional development program for early-career research faculty

Formerly known as the Independent Investigator Incubator (I3), the Ascent Scholars Program has similar goals to I3, with a mission to “prepare early-career faculty to become independently funded investigators through mentorship, grant writing support and a collaborative scholar community.”

July 13, 2026

Portrait of Shannon Risacher in front of a monitor with scans on itFaculty Research Labs

Faculty throughout IU School of Medicine work together to advance knowledge and treatment for patients in the world's most critical areas of medicine.

A postdoctoral fellow wearing a lab coat sits in front of a microscopeGraduate and Postdoctoral Programs

IU School of Medicine graduate programs uplift future scientists and the research on which medicine rests.

Focused Expertise

An emphasis on team science and prioritization by leadership have allowed IU School of Medicine faculty to grow their expertise in strategic areas of research to maximize the school’s impact on both medical science and public health.