UC’s research surges with $346M in awards

UC's research strength is also reflected in its ranking in the National Science Foundation's Higher Education Research and Development Survey for 2023-2024, in which UC remains a Top 50 university in overall rankings.

Frank Gerner, PhD, UC’s interim vice president for research, noted that expenditures for UC, which included partners at UC Health, Cincinnati Children’s, the Cincinnati VA and the UC Research Institute, were $738 million, nearly the same as the previous fiscal year. 

“Research at the University of Cincinnati and its affiliates continues to demonstrate growth and impact amid a challenging national landscape for higher education and research,” Gerner says. “We nearly remained even for expenditures, and a 6.6% increase in sponsored awards is worth celebration.

“UC’s research enterprise remains stable, adaptive and focused on its mission as a public-serving urban research university, solving problems that matter to our community and beyond.”

Brett Kissela, MD, senior associate dean for clinical research at the UC College of Medicine and chief of research services at UC Health, says clinical research plays a vital role in translating discoveries into real-world impact.

As Greater Cincinnati's only adult academic health system, the research partnership between the univesrity and UC Health plays an essential role in the health system's overall commitment to transforming health and improving life, delivering world class care to the region and beyond.

“The clinical research done at UC brings lifesaving treatments to market, improving health outcomes locally, nationally and globally,” he adds. “UC investigators continue to lead and participate in major clinical trial initiatives, reinforcing UC’s position as a trusted partner in advancing evidence-based medicine and patient-centered care.

“Clinical trials help patients gain the opportunity for early treatment access, but most importantly, it allows them to partner with researchers to help find better treatments for future patients.”

Gerner adds that UC is committed to expanding research that positively impacts the broader university community. 

"We want to support faculty and students as they pursue innovative, interdisciplinary work and help sustain the same momentum at UC that has been driving change in the world since the beginning of the industrial revolution,” he says. 

UC colleges that led the charge in federal higher education research funding include the College of Medicine, the College of Engineering and Applied Science, the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services.

The College of Engineering and Applied Science received a record $50.1 million in federal grant awards in the last fiscal year.

“What that money allows us to do is hire graduate students to do research. And they’re working on important problems that matter,” UC Interim Provost John Weidner, PhD, says.

Weidner is the former dean of the engineering college who was appointed to his new role in April. He says that UC remaining a top 50 research university in the country reflects its focus on real-world outcomes.

“Our faculty, staff and students are committed to turning research investment into meaningful benefits for people and communities, from health and infrastructure to advancing technology and discovery,” he adds.

With support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the College of Arts and Sciences also launched the artificial intelligence-focused Center for Explainable, Ethical, and Trustworthy AI in 2025. This is a first-of-its-kind hub for humanities-based research and public engagement on the societal dimensions of AI. 

Andre Curtis-Trudel, PhD, director of the center and assistant professor of philosophy, says the initiative positions UC as a leader in AI-focused humanities research in Ohio and the Midwest.  

“AI impacts all human beings, and it is our responsibility as (humans) to ensure we use it properly,” says James Mack, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. 

While AI development is often driven by technical fields, the center will address questions humans are uniquely equipped to explore — such as how AI should be used, what makes it trustworthy and how it affects society, says Curtis-Trudel. 

“With the support of UC leadership and the Office of Research we were able to present the NEH with a proposal that draws on humanities insights to promote the public good,” he adds.

Featured photo by Andrew Higley.