{"id":134984,"date":"2026-08-26T02:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-26T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/?p=134984"},"modified":"2026-08-25T17:03:27","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T22:03:27","slug":"ted-mikuls-phd-named-unmcs-21st-scientist-laureate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2026\/08\/26\/ted-mikuls-phd-named-unmcs-21st-scientist-laureate\/","title":{"rendered":"Ted Mikuls, PhD, named UNMC’s 21st Scientist Laureate"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Ted Mikuls, MD, Stokes-Shackleford Professor of Rheumatology in the UNMC Division of Rheumatology in the UNMC College of Medicine, has been named the 2026 UNMC Scientist Laureate, the highest research honor bestowed at UNMC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Mikuls is a rheumatologist and epidemiologist whose research focuses on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis and gout. He is actively engaged in clinical\/translational research activities and has received research funding from the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs, the Rheumatology Research Foundation and industry. He also serves as the director of the professional development core for the Great Plains IDeA-CTR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Mikuls, UNMC’s 21st Scientist Laureate, called the recognition an incredible honor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy UNMC research career has truly been a winding path,\u201d he said. \u201cAlong the way, I have been extremely fortunate to have been introduced to so many generous study participants, collaborators, trainees and simply the best research support staff that you could ask for as an investigator.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bradley Britigan, MD, dean of the UNMC College of Medicine, called Dr. Mikuls a consummate scientist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHis work with our veterans, exemplified by the multicenter Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry, where he has been the principal investigator for more than two decades, speaks to the depth of his commitment and impact,” Dr. Britigan said, “The entire college congratulates him on this honor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UNMC Vice Chancellor for Research Ken Bayles, PhD, said: “Dr. Mikuls is world renowned for his research on rheumatoid arthritis and gout, and he is fantastic role model for how to conduct impactful research through collaboration at UNMC and beyond. I couldn\u2019t be more pleased to have him as this year\u2019s recipient of the Scientist Laureate Award.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Mikuls will be honored along with 23 other researchers named UNMC Distinguished Scientist, New Investigator and Research Leadership Award winners for 2026. A ceremony will be held on Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. in the Durham Research Center auditorium. A reception and poster session highlighting the research of the honorees will follow in the Durham Research Center commons area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other researchers being recognized include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research Leadership<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research Leadership Awards honor scientists previously recognized as Distinguished Scientists who have a longstanding research funding history and also serve as research leaders and mentors on campus.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n