About

Provided by Research Communications

LEXINGTON, Ky, (July 17, 2024) — For the first time in University of Kentucky history, investigators received $488.4 million in extramural grants and contracts to support their research in fiscal year (FY) 2024. This is a 1.9% increase from the $479.3 million in FY23 research awards.

UK researchers also made history in FY24 with a record 1,920 research awards to 830 principal investigators from a record 633 sponsors.

“Our sustained growth as a research university is directly connected to the intentional focus we have on the biggest issues in our Research Priority Areas — cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, energy, issues of equitable access, materials science, neuroscience and substance use. Without question, research is vital in our mission to serve Kentucky,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. 

“Our research teams work across academic boundaries to bring the best ideas to light. This growth is a testament to the talent, collaboration and innovation of the faculty, staff and students who make up our research investigator community at UK. Their tireless work continues to propel the university forward to advance Kentucky and our nation,” said Vice President for Research Lisa Cassis.

Support from federal sources increased by 4.7% (from $252.6 million in FY23 to $264.4 million in FY24), with the largest increase of 12.1% in National Institutes of Health awards (from $145.6 million in FY23 to $163.1 million in FY24). 

Federal awards were 54.1% of UK’s total research awards and supported the work of investigators across all disciplines, including these highlighted projects in the UK Research Priority Areas of cancer and energy. 

The UK Markey Cancer Center received $2.7 million in FY24 (part of a $13.5 million P30 award) from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to Director B. Mark Evers, M.D. The Markey Cancer Center achieved comprehensive cancer center designation in FY24, making it the only cancer center in Kentucky and one of only 57 centers in the US to receive the highest NCI designation. This elevated designation reflects Markey’s leadership and resources, depth and breadth of research, including substantial transdisciplinary research.

In the Markey Cancer Center, Eric B. Durbin, Dr.P.H. (associate professor of biomedical informatics), directs the Kentucky Cancer Registry and leads the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. With $2.6 million in FY24 (part of a $3.1 million grant from NCI), Durbin’s team published Childhood Cancer in Kentucky, a report that showed Kentucky has a 7.2% higher rate of childhood cancer compared to the national average, with Appalachian counties experiencing an even greater burden. With updated data defining the disparities, researchers can better understand causative factors and develop future interventions.

Rodney Andrews, Ph.D., (director of the Center for Applied Energy Research) leads a new five-year, $20 million Research Infrastructure Improvement award from the National Science Foundation’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (NSF EPSCoR) titled “Climate Resilience through Multidisciplinary Big Data Learning, Prediction & Building Response Systems (CLIMBS).” With $4.7 million in FY24, this project is advancing Kentucky’s climate resiliency by addressing fundamental knowledge gaps using big data, artificial intelligence and risk assessment tools to predict and respond to hazards like floods and landslides, and target infrastructure improvements in water, power, traffic and communications. UK leads an eight-institution collaboration with University of Louisville, Western Kentucky University, Northern Kentucky University, Morehead State University, Eastern Kentucky University, Murray State University and Thomas More University.

Nonprofit awards increased by 15% (from $26 million in FY23 to $29.9 million in FY24). Two researchers in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment lead nonprofit-funded, community-based projects.

Alison Davis, Ph.D. (professor of agricultural economics), leads a $2.3 million project through RTI International, a nonprofit research institute, for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers Program. Davis is working with the Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK) team at UK to provide face-to-face outreach to community organizations, conduct train-the-trainer sessions with Cooperative Extension professionals and coordinate state-level resources, in partnership with the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. The goal is to remove barriers and improve access for Kentuckians with environmental concerns.

Alison Gustafson, Ph.D. (professor of dietetics and human nutrition), received $703,356 from the American Heart Association to develop a user-centered approach to screen, refer and enroll rural and urban adults with hypertension in Food is Medicine (FIM) programs. This is part of her larger research effort — the Food as Health Alliance — a program testing a variety of delivery packages to food insecure populations experiencing diet-sensitive chronic disease. This research brings together healthcare, industry, agriculture and nonprofit partners to research how addressing food insecurity can improve health outcomes across Kentucky. 

To learn more about innovative UK research that impacts Kentucky and beyond, visit research.uky.edu/news. Visit stats and rankings, for more UK Research data.  

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Numbers P30CA177558 and HHSN261201800013I. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. 

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 16, 2024) –The University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital at UK HealthCare is the No. 1 hospital in Kentucky for the ninth year in a row and was recognized in the Bluegrass Region by the 2024-25 Best Hospitals rankings and ratings from U.S. News & World Report. 

Additionally, UK HealthCare again ranked in the top 50 for three specialties, improving their ranking in each area: cancer care (#36), ear, nose & throat (#37), and OB/GYN (#21). Six specialties – four more than the previous year’s rankings – also received a “High Performing” designation: Gastroenterology, GI surgery, Geriatrics, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pulmonology & Lung Surgery, and Urology.

"Being a leader in health care is more than a designation; it is a constant drive to better the lives of our patients," said Robert S. DiPaola, M.D., UK’s co-executive vice president for health affairs. "Maintaining – and improving upon – our U.S. News Rankings shows our dedication to superior care, innovative research, forward-thinking education and the heartfelt service from our faculty, providers and staff at UK HealthCare."

"UK HealthCare’s achievements are a source of great pride, showcasing the steadfast dedication of our team to deliver unparalleled care,” said Eric N. Monday, Ph.D., UK’s co-executive vice president for health affairs. “As part of the University of Kentucky, our mission is to serve the people of the Commonwealth through the quality of the care we provide and by working to increase access to health care across the state. We’re working to not only meet the needs of our local community, but also to elevate the standard of health care throughout the entire state.”

UK Chandler Hospital was also named Best Regional Hospital for Equitable Access – a new category from U.S. News that recognizes success in caring for patients in historically underserved communities. UK HealthCare was one of 98 medical centers nationwide and the only hospital in Kentucky to receive this recognition.

“At UK HealthCare, we believe that you cannot have quality without equity,” said Tukea Talbert, D.N.P., who oversees health equity efforts at UK HealthCare. “We diligently examine our data and metrics to help us identify and quantify disparities that are unique to our underserved populations. That allows us to execute targeted strategies and solutions to address these issues. We are truly the university – and the hospital – for Kentucky. I’m incredibly proud of the work we’re doing here to help all of our patients, and we are honored to be one of the inaugural recipients of this recognition from U.S. News and World Report.”

This year’s ranking marks the eighth consecutive year of Top 50 rankings for the UK Markey Cancer Center, which also received a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center designation last fall. Markey is the only center with an NCI designation in Kentucky. Markey’s rank improved from #44 last year to #36.

“Together, these recognitions firmly establish Markey among the nation's top cancer centers, affirming that patients can access world-class cancer care right here in Kentucky,” said B. Mark Evers, M.D., director of the UK Markey Cancer Center. “They also underscore our collective efforts to reduce Kentucky’s cancer burden through research, prevention, education, and treatment as we pursue our ultimate goal: conquering cancer in the Commonwealth.”

UK Women’s Health OB-GYN is ranked for the second year in a row, improving from #40 to #21. The group provides a full range of office and surgical obstetric and gynecologic services, including subspecialty services in high-risk obstetrics, gynecologic oncology, urogynecology, minimally invasive gynecology and midwifery care. The department also provides a breadth of specialty services throughout Kentucky via telehealth programs - the Kentucky Angels Program (Maternal-Fetal Medicine) and Ovarian Cancer Screening Program (GYN oncology). They also work closely with the Kentucky Children’s Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), one of only two Level IV NICUs in the state, to ensure that mothers and their children are cared for at the highest level. 

“Receiving this national recognition for our program’s excellence in women’s health care is an honor, and this remarkable achievement is built upon the solid foundation laid out by my predecessors,” said Emily DeFranco, D.O., who began serving as chair of UK HealthCare OB/GYN in January. “As chair, I am committed to driving our program forward through research, education, and providing the highest quality evidence-based practice and unwavering compassion to our patients.”

UK HealthCare’s Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, more commonly known as Ear, Nose & Throat, received another top ranking after returning to the Top 50 last year, improving from #49 (tied) to #37. With expertise spanning a wide range of specialties, including otology, rhinology, laryngology, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, pediatric otolaryngology, head and neck cancer, and audiology, the department is equipped to address even the most complex cases with precision and compassion.

“We have an unbelievable legacy of high quality patient-centered care and impactful academic leadership that has been established by senior faculty and amplified by our newer faculty members,” said Matthew Bush, M.D., chair of the UK Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. “Our motto in our department is ‘Expect excellence’ – in patient care, in research, in educating the next generation of physicians. We strive to be excellent in everything we do. This recognition from U.S. News is further validation of the high standards we hold for ourselves.”

In addition to the specialty rankings, UK HealthCare also received 14 “High Performing” designations for common adult procedures and conditions, a new record:

• Back Surgery (Spinal Fusion)
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Colon Cancer Surgery
• Gynecological Cancer Surgery (previously listed separately as Ovarian Cancer Surgery/Uterine Cancer Surgery)
• Heart Attack
• Heart Bypass
• Heart Failure
• Hip Replacement
• Kidney Failure
• Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma
• Lung Cancer Surgery
• Pneumonia
• Prostate Cancer Surgery
• Stroke

Three other hospitals in the UK HealthCare family have also received recognition from U.S. News: UK King’s Daughters, UK St. Claire, and Kentucky Children’s Hospital.

UK King’s Daughters was named “High Performing” in five adult procedures and conditions (Acute Kidney Failure, COPD, Heart Failure, Lung Cancer Surgery and Stroke) while UK St. Claire was named “High Performing” in three adult procedures and conditions (COPD, Heart Failure and Pneumonia).

U.S. News Rankings for Children’s Hospitals are announced separately, and Kentucky Children’s Hospital is currently recognized as a Best Children’s Hospital and is ranked in the Top 50 for three pediatric specialties:

• Pediatric cardiology & heart surgery, #7 (the Joint Pediatric and Congenital Heart Program, a collaboration between Cincinnati Children’s and Kentucky Children’s Hospital)
• Pediatric orthopedic care, #42 (in association with Shriner’s Children’s Lexington)
• Pediatric urology, #42

“These rankings and recognitions are proof that our efforts to improve quality and patient safety here at UK HealthCare are succeeding,” said Jennifer Rose, who oversees UK HealthCare’s Office of Performance Services. "While we celebrate these successes, we are more motivated than ever to build on this foundation, and we will continuously seek innovative ways to improve and deliver the highest standard of care for our patients."

U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions; only 11% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals ranking. Hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care and patient experience.

“For 35 years, U.S. News has been a leading resource for patients navigating their health care decisions,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “A 'Best Hospital' recognition empowers patients to seek out medical care from the best of the best to treat their illness or condition.”

To calculate the Best Hospitals rankings, U.S. News evaluated each hospital’s performance on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and Procedures & Conditions ratings methodology measure patient outcomes using data from millions of records provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This year, among other methodology refinements, U.S. News incorporated new data on care provided to patients with Medicare Advantage insurance and on care provided to outpatients, nearly doubling the number of patients included in its annual data analysis. The Procedures & Conditions ratings are based entirely on objective quality measures.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 1, 2024) —  Morehead-based St. Claire HealthCare officially became part of the University of Kentucky today — a move that will expand academic programs and greater access to quality patient care for more Kentuckians.

"At the University of Kentucky, we dream big dreams — for communities in every county of our Commonwealth, where we serve and seek novel solutions to old challenges in our hospitals, where we work to fulfill the promise that you should never have to leave this state to receive the best of care for the worst of moments," said UK President Eli Capilouto. "Today, because of the support of policymakers, legislators and so many others, we welcome and celebrate St. Claire HealthCare as part of the promise we make to the state whose name we bear and whose future we are committed to serve.  We are forever grateful to Gov. Beshear, Senate President Stivers, Speaker Osborne and the entire General Assembly for affording UK the authorization to make today a reality.”

St. Claire HealthCare is one of the largest employers in the greater Morehead region with more than 1,300 employees including over 50 physicians and nearly 50 advanced practice professionals representing more than 20 medical specialties. 

"Today is the culmination of many years of work, searching for the best solution to serve our community with the highest level of care and access to care for many decades to come,” said St. Claire President and CEO Donald H. Lloyd II, who will remain in his position. “Through this partnership, our neighbors will enjoy top-quality medical care in their own backyard. We know health outcomes improve greatly when care is easier to access, and we are confident – as are St. Claire's stewards for these past many years, the Sisters of Notre Dame – that joining the UK family will lead to transformative changes in our region."

Since the 1960s, St. Claire HealthCare has partnered with UK on many successful academic and clinical programs to grow the health care workforce of northeastern Kentucky. UK and St. Claire co-developed the nationally recognized Rural Physician Leadership Program, in collaboration with Morehead State University. St. Claire is also home to the UK College of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program. In addition, it is an established training and residency site for UK’s Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

The UK Board of Trustees on April 26, approved plans to proceed with the acquisition and regulatory and other third-party approvals have now been finalized.

In 2023, St. Claire HealthCare began an extensive request for information (RFI) process and reached out to 12 national and regional organizations. After consideration by the St. Claire Board of Directors and the Sisters of Notre Dame, UK was chosen as the best option to partner to serve the people of this region, said Lloyd.

UK was identified as the partner that could carry forward the previous work and ongoing investment while growing the health care workforce, said Lloyd.

St. Claire HealthCare includes a hospital with 139 licensed beds as well as seven primary care locations located within five counties, a multi-specialty medical pavilion, two urgent care centers, a pediatrics clinic, a retail pharmacy, counseling center, a medical equipment and supply store, and an outpatient center. Additionally, St. Claire HealthCare provides home health and hospice services in eight counties.

UK HealthCare is the hospitals and clinics of the University of Kentucky. But it is so much more. It is more than 10,000 dedicated health care professionals committed to providing advanced subspecialty care for the most critically injured and ill patients from the Commonwealth and beyond. It also is the home of the state’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that cares for the tiniest and sickest newborns, the region’s only Level 1 trauma center and Kentucky’s top hospital ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

As an academic research institution, we are continuously pursuing the next generation of cures, treatments, protocols and policies. Our discoveries have the potential to change what’s medically possible within our lifetimes. Our educators and thought leaders are transforming the health care landscape as our six health professions colleges teach the next generation of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals, spreading the highest standards of care. UK HealthCare is the power of advanced medicine committed to creating a healthier Kentucky, now and for generations to come.