College ranks among top pharmacy schools in Texas for federally funded research
The College of Pharmacy at UNT Health Fort Worth recently earned significant recognition in state and national research rankings, according to new reports from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research. In the 2024 Blue Ridge rankings, which measure National Institutes of Health research funding, the College of Pharmacy ranked No. 4 in Texas and No. 41 nationally in U.S. pharmacy schools — ahead of several larger and longer-established programs across the state. “These rankings are a testament to the strength, talent and innovation of our research faculty,” said Dean Evan Robinson, Ph.D. “Our faculty members not only advance impactful, federally funded research that improves patient care, but also mentor graduate and professional students eager to follow in their footsteps. The national recognition we’re receiving reflects that dedication.”
The college also advanced in the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy’s 2024 research funding report, moving from fifth to fourth place in Texas and climbing five spots nationally to No. 42. The college secured $6.8 million in total research funding — the highest in its history — and ranked second in Texas and 14th nationally for the percentage of faculty with federal funding. “At UNT Health, our amazing researchers are driving discovery, and it shows,” said Rebecca Cunningham, Ph.D., associate dean of research in pharmaceutical sciences. “We’re a growing research powerhouse with results that matter.”
Denise Inman, Ph.D., interim chair and professor of pharmaceutical sciences, emphasized the people behind the success. “External grant funding is a metric for which we can be proud. UNT Health ranks high in the state and in the nation,” she said of the rank. “Behind those numbers are faculty, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students whose dedication to advancing knowledge — from disease processes to molecular design — makes this possible.”
The strong showings in both rankings highlight UNT Health’s commitment to fostering a high-performing research environment that drives innovation in pharmaceutical sciences, drug development, clinical practice and health outcomes. “The motto of UNT Health’s College of Pharmacy is, ‘We make healthcare better.’ The newly released AACP rankings show that our faculty and trainees are bringing that motto to life through groundbreaking discoveries,” said Kyle Emmitte, Ph.D., senior associate dean and professor of pharmaceutical sciences. “As for the Blue Ridge rankings, they show that the College of Pharmacy is continuing to tackle high-priority health challenges and shape the therapies of tomorrow.”
The Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research ranks U.S. academic institutions annually based on NIH funding, a key benchmark for research competitiveness. The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy tracks total external research funding, offering insight into how pharmacy schools are performing in securing competitive grants and expanding their research portfolios.
