The Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research has released its 2025 national rankings, placing WashU Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at No. 14 in the country for funding from the National Institutes of Health—a significant achievement amid a challenging federal research climate.
The ranking comes at a time when NIH funding faces budget uncertainties, flat or declining real-dollar growth, evolving grant review processes and approval delays. Despite these headwinds, WashU Medicine OBGYN remains within reach of its historic standing—just a few R01 awards shy—with 23 additional applications currently under review. The department’s continued competitiveness speaks volumes about the strength and resilience of its research enterprise.
Leaders credit the accomplishment to the collective excellence of its basic, clinical and translational research teams, along with dedicated grant administrators, faculty and trainees. Their collaboration, innovation and perseverance continue to drive scientific discovery and expand the department’s national footprint.
Beyond NIH support, the department has strategically diversified its funding portfolio, securing awards from the U.S. Department of Defense, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Male Contraceptive Initiative, the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, AstraZeneca, the American Association for Cancer Research, the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and the Foundation for Women’s Wellness. While these awards are not reflected in NIH rankings, they highlight the department’s broad strategic reach and robust, diversified research portfolio.
More than a numerical distinction, the No. 14 ranking represents impact, collaboration and forward momentum. With a strong pipeline of submissions and sustained dedication across teams, WashU Medicine OBGYN is well positioned to climb even higher in the years ahead.