UMSOP Strengthens National Impact with $36.1 Million in Research Funding

Researchers are advancing innovative science and health services research while improving patient care through groundbreaking funded projects.

By Pam Carder
November 6, 2025

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) continues to advance its research mission, securing $36.1 million in sponsored funding during fiscal year 2024. This achievement propelled the School to an American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy 12th place national ranking in total external research funding among pharmacy schools, reflecting a steady rise over the past five years and underscoring UMSOP’s ability to attract support from a diverse range of sources to advance high-impact research that addresses critical health challenges. With 44 funded investigators – placing the School among the nation’s top 10 – UMSOP continues to strengthen its position as a leader in transformative pharmaceutical research.

As part of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), which shares an R1 research designation with the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP), UMSOP is part of a collaborative, high-impact research ecosystem that spans institutions and disciplines. The School’s research excellence is evident across federal, National Institutes of Health (NIH), and non-federal awards, which together totaled $23.8 million in FY 2024. In addition, UMSOP researchers have generated 15 active patents in 2025, demonstrating the School’s ability not only to secure funding but also to translate discoveries into innovations with real-world impact. This diverse portfolio enables the School to advance cutting-edge science while supporting its community-focused initiatives and improving patient care.

Significant Grants Highlight Cutting-Edge Research

UMSOP researchers have continued to secure major grants in 2025, reflecting the breadth and depth of the School’s research portfolio:

• The PATIENTS Program, led by C. Daniel Mullins, PhD, professor of practice, sciences, and health outcomes research (P-SHOR), directs a $9.4 million NIH Health Equity Research Hub as part of the national ComPASS program. Partnering with other UMB schools and community leaders, the Hub supports projects advancing health equity across the U.S.
• Ryan Pearson, PhD, professor of pharmaceutical sciences (PSC) and director of the Bio- and Nano-Technology Center (BNTC), received $3.4 million from NIH to develop nanoparticle immunotherapy targeting sepsis. This research could pave the way for biomaterial-based treatments that restore immune balance and improve patient outcomes.
• Julia F. Slejko, PhD, associate professor of P-SHOR, led a national study published in Value in Health showing that most Americans prioritize reducing health disparities, valuing gains for disadvantaged groups six to seven times more than for better-off populations. The findings highlight strong public support for integrating equity into U.S. health policy and evaluation.
• Angela Wilks, PhD, the Isaac E. Emerson Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences, was awarded a $2.63 million NIH grant to study how Pseudomonas aeruginosa survives nutrient-restricted conditions, uncovering pathways for targeted therapies against antibiotic-resistant infections.
• Hongbing Wang, PhD, professor and interim chair of PSC, and Fengtian Xue, PhD, professor of PSC and associate dean for research, received a $2.84 million NIH grant to develop safer, more effective treatments for triple-negative breast cancer, optimizing drug metabolism while protecting the heart.

“These grants, along with our patents and numerous other awards, provide essential resources for innovative research and allow our teams to explore approaches that could transform patient care,” said Xue. “Each accomplishment represents years of collaboration, creativity, and persistence—driving discoveries from molecular science to community health.”

Leadership and Collaboration Driving Growth

The School’s growth in research funding, patents, and national ranking reflects the dedication and collaborative spirit of its faculty and staff. “UMSOP’s achievements demonstrate our faculty’s creativity and commitment to solving pressing healthcare challenges while training the next generation of pharmacy leaders,” said Sarah L.J. Michel, PhD, dean and professor of PSC.

Looking Ahead

Research funding for fiscal year 2025 is expected to surpass $37 million, reinforcing UMSOP’s leadership in pharmaceutical research. “The future of pharmacy research lies in integration—linking basic science, clinical application, and community impact,” said Michel. “At the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, we are committed to advancing discoveries that improve lives worldwide.”

Related News Stories

More Stories About: Research Research Funding