Texas A&M School of Pharmacy rises in national research rankings

The Texas A&M University Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy has soared 12 spots to claim the 31st position in the national rankings for total research funding during the academic year 2021-22, as announced by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). This year’s ranking considered a total of 113 pharmacy schools in the United States that reported extramural research funding.

The Texas A&M School of Pharmacy received $5,090,368 in annual research funding in 2021, which doubled to an impressive $10,312,127 in 2022. With regards to federal grants alone, the School of Pharmacy currently holds the 30th position with $9,269,981 in funding from federal sources.

Notably, among Texas pharmacy schools, the School of Pharmacy stands out with the highest funding density with $149,132.48 in funding per faculty member.

Indra Reddy, PhD, the founding dean of the School of Pharmacy, expressed his admiration for the school’s consistent commitment to excellence in teaching, mentoring and fostering an environment that encourages scholarly exploration.

“For years, our school has been at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of pharmaceutical science, seeking innovative solutions to address the complex health care challenges of our time. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our faculty members, researchers and students who have cultivated a nurturing environment that fosters curiosity, promotes collaboration on a national and international scale and encourages interdisciplinary research,” Reddy said.

The School of Pharmacy now holds the second position among its peer institutions in Texas, a feat that highlights its growing influence and reputation in the field, according to Reddy.

Chendil Damodaran, PhD, the associate dean of research and innovation and professor of pharmaceutical sciences, says this achievement was the result of a well-planned strategy implemented to enhance the school’s research enterprise.

“Under the guidance of Dean Reddy, the research office and department heads, several initiatives were put into action to secure extramural funding,” Damodaran said.

Damodaran praised the commendable dedication exhibited by the staff, faculty and administrators.

“This milestone is a culmination of the collective efforts of our entire School of Pharmacy community,” he said. “The Texas A&M School of Pharmacy’s rise in the AACP research ranking is a testament to its commitment to advancing pharmaceutical science and addressing health care challenges through cutting-edge research, collaborative efforts and an environment that fosters academic exploration.”

AACP is the national organization representing pharmacy education in the United States. Ranked among the most prestigious professional organizations in the field, AACP’s research ranking serves as a definitive measure of a school’s research productivity and impact. AACP publishes Funded Research Grant Data annually on its website.