Research
Transforming the Future of Health Care
Our world-renowned researchers lead groundbreaking research to advance biomedical research and patient care delivery
UC San Diego School of Medicine is a leader in transformative scientific discoveries in wellness, therapeutics and disease prevention. We approach our work with creativity, rigor and passion.
Through a diverse and collaborative biomedical research ecosystem, we are making a difference for our local community and the world through tangible, transformative and lasting contributions to the health sciences.
Research Powerhouse
$725 Million
in total sponsored research funding for fiscal year 2024
Top 1%
of most-cited researchers in the world in 2023 per Clarivate
#5 Public Medical School
nationally for NIH funding in 2023 per BRIMR
Areas of Expertise
Basic Research
Cutting-edge discoveries made in basic research provide the foundation for advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
Translational Research
Our “bench-to-bedside” research approach takes discoveries gained from the basic sciences and applies them to health care delivery.
Clinical Research
UC San Diego clinical researchers perform a diverse array of clinical trials designed to test the safety and effectiveness of innovative therapies or medications.
Collaborative, Multidisciplinary Ecosystem
Our researchers are pushing innovations to new heights by prioritizing collaborations across departments. We work with colleagues across departments, schools and multidisciplinary institutes at UC San Diego, partners at biomedical institutions in the San Diego region and collaborators across the globe.
Educational Opportunities
School of Medicine offers several graduate level programs for students interested in pursuing research-intensive careers in health sciences.
Medical Scientist Training Program
Become a physician-scientist through our joint MD/PhD program.
Student Research Opportunities
Summer research opportunities allow students to explore and hone skills outside of the classroom.
School of Medicine News
Discoveries Magazine
A magazine dedicated to exploring the expansive innovations and aspirations of student, faculty and staff that comprise UC San Diego School of Medicine’s research enterprise. Learn how their work continues to transform medicine and change lives for the better.
Protect F&A Research Funding
The future is shaped by those who push beyond what is known. At UC San Diego, we don’t just navigate change — we create it. Every breakthrough, every discovery starts with the courage to explore, to challenge, to redefine what’s possible. But even the boldest ideas need a foundation. Research requires resources, collaboration, and investment to turn possibility into reality. Without it, the unknown stays unknown. With it, we change the world.