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OU College of Medicine

#1 Research University

In the State of Oklahoma

Funding

$177 Million in Total Sponsored Funding
$72 Million in NIH Funding

Rankings

4 Departments Ranked Top 25 
12 Departments Ranked Nationally 
By Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research

300+

Active Clinical Trials

It’s an exciting time at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. The college is making major, strategic investments to accelerate health research in key areas and to recruit exceptional scientific talent from around the world. As we expand our research enterprise, we are committed to driving discoveries that improve health outcomes, deepen scientific understanding, and strengthen the future of healthcare in Oklahoma and beyond.

A cornerstone of this momentum is Project 200, a bold initiative within the University of Oklahoma’s strategic plan to recruit the nation’s top researchers—innovators whose breakthroughs will change and save lives, fuel Oklahoma’s economy, and elevate OU among the country’s most impactful research institutions. 

Learn More About Project 200 Join OU Research

Areas of Focus

Through five Basic Science Departments and 19 clinical departments across academic medicine, faculty conduct foundational, clinical, and translational research that moves ideas from bench to bedside.

Cancer Research

Our teams are advancing discovery across the cancer continuum—uncovering risk factors, improving early detection, and developing next-generation immunotherapies and personalized treatments that transform patient outcomes.

Researchers are tackling diabetes and obesity at their roots, exploring metabolic pathways, genomic risk, therapeutic innovation, and interventions that prevent complications and improve long-term health.

Neuroscience

From neurodegenerative disease to brain–AI interfaces, OU scientists are decoding brain function, developing precision approaches to neurological care, and pioneering technologies that restore or enhance neural health.

We offer of many promising research-based treatments are part of our seamless care. See information for accessing clinical trials being conducted in each area of our practice.

Biomedical 
Data Science & AI/ML

Our teams are advancing discovery across the cancer continuum—uncovering risk factors, improving early detection, and developing next-generation immunotherapies and personalized treatments that transform patient outcomes.

Molecular, Cellular & Biochemical Sciences

MCB scientists investigate life at its most fundamental levels—advancing integrative omics, aging biology, infectious disease research, synthetic biology, and computational genomics to fuel discovery across medicine.

Chronic Disease, Population Health & Health Services

Teams explore how biology, behavior, environment, and policy drive chronic disease—advancing solutions that reduce disparities, improve care delivery, and move communities toward better health.

An Environment Built for Breakthroughs

The College of Medicine is supported by state-of-the-art laboratory spaces designed to advance discovery and collaboration. Recent investments include more than 29,100 square feet of new laboratory space at University Research Park, part of a $55 million commitment to strengthening OU’s research infrastructure. Open-concept labs, advanced microscopy and cell culture suites, and shared collaboration areas support high-impact, team-based science and translational research.

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Research Resources

Find the resources you need to advance research at the OU College of Medicine, including regulatory support, core facilities, research centers, grant tools, and opportunities for students and trainees.

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OU Expanding Precision Medicine Capabilities With New Cyclotron

OU Expanding Precision Medicine Capabilities With New Cyclotron

A powerful new $16 million cyclotron is arriving soon at the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, marking a major expansion of advanced medical imaging, cancer treatment and research capabilities for patients across the state.
New NIH Grant Advances Lupus Protein Research

New NIH Grant Advances Lupus Protein Research

For the millions of people living with lupus – a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage the kidneys, brain and other vital organs – treatment options remain limited and often come with serious side effects. A $1.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health will allow a...
Rodney Tweten Named OU’s SEC Faculty Achievement Award Recipient

Rodney Tweten Named OU’s SEC Faculty Achievement Award Recipient

Rodney Tweten, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the OU College of Medicine, has been selected as the University of Oklahoma’s recipient of the Faculty Achievement Award supported by the Southeastern Conference. Recipients from SEC institutions go...
Federal Grant Funds OU Training Program Focused on Care of People Experiencing Homelessness

Federal Grant Funds OU Training Program Focused on Care of People Experiencing Homelessness

People experiencing homelessness often live with chronic illness, mental health conditions and substance use disorders, while facing significant barriers to accessing and managing health care. With a new five-year, $1 million federal grant, the University of Oklahoma is addressing this challenge...
University of Oklahoma’s Research Excellence Propels It to Top 100 National Ranking Among U.S. Medical Institutions

University of Oklahoma’s Research Excellence Propels It to Top 100 National Ranking Among U.S. Medical Institutions

The University of Oklahoma Health Campus was recently recognized for its increased momentum in advancing discoveries that change lives, achieving the state’s first Top 100 national ranking based on funding from the National Institutes of Health, according to the Blue Ridge Institute for...
From Family Loss to Brain Research: A Scientist’s Mission to Prevent Cognitive Decline

From Family Loss to Brain Research: A Scientist’s Mission to Prevent Cognitive Decline

Growing up, Stefano Tarantini, Ph.D., watched his grandmother lose her independence to cognitive decline. At the same time, he became fascinated with the medical language surrounding her care – terms like ischemia and abnormal vascular function.
Cancer Cell Publication Details Development of Cancer-Induced Cachexia and Anorexia

Cancer Cell Publication Details Development of Cancer-Induced Cachexia and Anorexia

New research from the University of Oklahoma, published today in Cancer Cell, describes for the first time a “triangle regulation theory” of cancer-induced cachexia and anorexia.
OU’s Academic Excellence and Global Perspective Recognized by Fulbright Program

OU’s Academic Excellence and Global Perspective Recognized by Fulbright Program

The University of Oklahoma has been recognized by the Fulbright Program for its academic excellence and impactful contributions to international education and research, with its Health Campus earning the university recognition as a “Top Producer” of Fulbright U.S. Scholars. The OU...
OU Researchers Develop New Way to Deliver Cancer Therapies

OU Researchers Develop New Way to Deliver Cancer Therapies

University of Oklahoma researchers have created a new drug delivery system that helps cancer cells take in much more of a treatment, improving its ability to kill tumors. The findings are published in Science Advances.
OU College of Medicine Names T.R. Lewis as Associate Dean for Student Affairs

OU College of Medicine Names T.R. Lewis as Associate Dean for Student Affairs

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine has announced the appointment of T.R. Lewis, M.D., as associate dean for student affairs, effective Jan. 25, 2026, pending approval by the OU Board of Regents.
OU Helps Lead Clinical Trial Seeking Improved Survival for Head and Neck Cancer Patients

OU Helps Lead Clinical Trial Seeking Improved Survival for Head and Neck Cancer Patients

A newly approved National Cancer Institute-funded clinical trial aims to improve survival for head and neck cancer patients whose disease returns after radiation therapy – a setback that affects up to 40% of patients and is often associated with poor outcomes.
Naqash Honored by American Society for Clinical Investigation

Naqash Honored by American Society for Clinical Investigation

Abdul Rafeh Naqash, M.D., associate professor of medicine at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and senior associate director of AI and Data Science at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, has been awarded the 2026 Young Physician-Scientist Award from the American Society for Clinical...
Maternal Microbiome Compound May Hold Key to Preventing Liver Disease

Maternal Microbiome Compound May Hold Key to Preventing Liver Disease

Children born to mothers who consume a high-fat, high-sugar diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding face a higher risk of developing fatty liver disease later in life. New research from the University of Oklahoma suggests that risk may be reduced: A study found that supplementing pregnant and...
Clinical Trial Shows Survival Benefit With Proton Therapy

Clinical Trial Shows Survival Benefit With Proton Therapy

Results of a Phase III clinical trial published recently in The Lancet show that oropharyngeal cancer patients receiving proton therapy kept their cancer under control just as well as patients receiving traditional radiation therapy, or photon therapy. Importantly, patients treated with proton...
University of Oklahoma, West Virginia University Researchers Earn NIH Grant to Study ‘Concept’ Flavored Cigarillos

University of Oklahoma, West Virginia University Researchers Earn NIH Grant to Study ‘Concept’ Flavored Cigarillos

Cigarillos, a small type of cigar, have dramatically risen in popularity, particularly those that come in flavors, such as cherry or chocolate. Some state and local laws have banned all flavored cigars, and the Food and Drug Administration has announced its intention for a federal ban. In...
OU Receives $25 Million Grant from TSET to Expand Statewide Cancer Care

OU Receives $25 Million Grant from TSET to Expand Statewide Cancer Care

The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) has awarded the University of Oklahoma a $25 million grant to help construct a new OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center facility in Tulsa, a project that will house the newly named TSET Clinical Research Center and significantly expand access...
OU Study Links Genetic Variants to Risk of Blinding Eye Disease in Premature Infants

OU Study Links Genetic Variants to Risk of Blinding Eye Disease in Premature Infants

A new study from the University of Oklahoma suggests that small genetic differences in two proteins – previously known for their role in premature infants’ lungs – may also influence how their eyes develop, potentially affecting the risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
GLP-1 Drugs Show Potential Anti-Cancer Effects, Review Article Finds

GLP-1 Drugs Show Potential Anti-Cancer Effects, Review Article Finds

The success of GLP-1 medications for treating Type 2 diabetes and obesity naturally leads to a related question: Do GLP-1 drugs affect cancer risk, which is often associated with obesity and Type 2 diabetes?
FDA Grants Fast Track Designation to Drug Combo for Colorectal Cancer

FDA Grants Fast Track Designation to Drug Combo for Colorectal Cancer

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Fast Track Designation to a new drug combination for metastatic colorectal cancer, following encouraging results from a clinical trial led in part by the University of Oklahoma Health Stephenson Cancer Center. The treatment offers potential hope...
Strong Heart Study Marks 35 Years of Transforming Health in American Indian Communities

Strong Heart Study Marks 35 Years of Transforming Health in American Indian Communities

For more than 35 years, University of Oklahoma Health Campus researchers have played a key role in the Strong Heart Study, a landmark project that has uncovered critical insights into cardiovascular disease among American Indian communities. Today, it remains the most extensive and...