When I joined George Washington University three years ago, the School of Medicine and Health Sciences was just developing a strategic plan that included a goal to “Augment the SMHS research portfolio and elevate its prominence through enhanced quality and impact.” Since that time, many have put energy into building the research base in basic and clinical sciences, as well as education and infrastructure, with great results. There have been significant increases in federal and non-federal research dollars at the SMHS and in Medical Faculty Associates-industry sponsored research as well. I am also delighted that there is an increase in funded research investigators, some through new hires, and some through new grants.
One analysis, however, caught my attention. When we looked at our current research by discipline (see SMHS Research Areas 2017), the strengths stood out. Our research was split into five almost-equal areas, including Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Neuroscience/Autism, a combination of Renal/Genetics/Cardiology, and “Other.” The school has made conscious investments with new leadership and researchers in the Cancer Center and in Autism, and strategic hires in other areas, and we are beginning to see the results.
Of course, this represents SMHS research right now in 2017. What will it look like in two years?
SMHS Research Areas 2017
