More Than $230 Million In Health Research Funding Breaks State Records

CHARLESTON, SC - September 13, 2010 - Despite a fiscally-challenging year, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) continued a record-breaking trend regarding research funding. Research awards surpassed the $200 million mark for the third year in a row with a $16.6 million dollar increase since 2009.

The 2010 total of $234,153,146 includes approximately $136 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). ARRA funding, commonly known as the economic stimulus package, totaled $27,083,322 through the NIH.

Federal sources continue to be the main foundation of research funding at MUSC, with awards totaling $155,625,371. Other large sources of research funding include corporate funding of $ 30,612,486, and private donations designated for research soaring to $10,676,888.

"The ability to achieve continued growth in our research funding in the face of increasing budget pressure is very impressive. It reflects the extraordinary talent and commitment of the research teams and the many individuals that support our research mission here at MUSC," said Stephen M. Lanier, Ph.D., MUSC Associate Provost for Research and pharmacology professor.

While local and state economies continue to struggle, MUSC\'s research growth positively impacts the economy. MUSC President Dr. Ray Greenberg noted the continued importance of the state\'s Centers of Economic Excellence program (CoEE) and the South Carolina Research Infrastructure Act (SCRIA), both of which allow MUSC to recruit the best scientists to South Carolina and create university-based research centers in areas that will help grow South Carolina\'s economy and create jobs.

"This new record in research funding is a tribute to the outstanding researchers on our faculty who are at the forefront of medical science. They are advancing medical science and, in the process, helping to improve the health of South Carolinians," he said.