The University of Nebraska Medical Center has seen increases in both research-specific and all sponsored awards in the last fiscal year.
UNMC Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, discussed the growth in research during his all-campus forum on Sept. 8.
Dr. Davies was joined by Rusty McCulloh, MD, associate vice chancellor for clinical research, and Agnes Lenagh, PhD, director of strategic partnerships in UNMC’s Office of Industry Engagement.
The UNMC community can watch the September forum on the campus intranet.
Research-specific awards jumped 35% in fiscal year 2025-26, to more than $230 million from $170 million in the previous year. All sponsored awards, which include non-research awards, were up 30%, to just under $290 million from $223 million.
Federal grant and contract funding, as well as industry-sponsored funding, also increased.
“We have incredible teams across campus — incredible scientists and equally incredible teams supporting those scientists,” Dr. McCulloh said.
The UNMC Office of Industry Engagement has been working to create “a front door for industry on campus,” said Dr. Lenagh. That has included getting to know faculty better, learning capabilities and engaging with the right industry partners, she said.
Dr. Davies also:
- Celebrated the groundbreaking for an Infectious Disease Air Transport training facility, or IDAT, as well as the launch of the new Office for the Advancement of Military Medicine. The facility is expected to be complete in late 2027 or early 2028. “This expands our role and impact in national defense preparedness,” Dr. Davies said.
- Addressed the unanimous approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents to establish a new governance structure for Nebraska Medicine that adds the Omaha Community Foundation as a shared governing member alongside the University of Nebraska System.
- Welcomed new and returning students at UNMC campuses across the state, including the first cohort of medical students in Kearney.
- Announced that Jane Meza, PhD, has been named UNMC vice chancellor for academic affairs effective Nov. 1, pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. She’s served as interim vice chancellor since July 2024.
- Announced that UNMC has grown its enrollment for the 26th consecutive year. The 2026-27 academic year will see 4,847 students enrolled, a 0.6% increase over last year. “We have never needed healthcare providers more than we need them today,” Dr. Davies said. “We cannot afford to leave behind anybody who wants to be a healthcare provider.”
- Celebrated the naming of the Shikhar & Kristin Saxena Health Center, a four-story clinic being built at 42nd and Farnam streets. The lead donors are both alums of the UNMC College of Medicine.
- Announced a partnership with Omaha Public Radio (KIOS) designed to highlight the value of medical science and research to the public. KIOS will air weekly segments featuring UNMC researchers.
- Said plans are in the works to offer flu shots at sites across campus this fall. Check campus newsletters for more information.