A researcher uses a pipet to conduct an experiment at a lab bench
A researcher prepares a cell-culture plate in a biosafety hood

UMMC Research: Discovering tomorrow’s cures today.

Illustration of a cell and interconnected neurons

Multidisciplinary care for the brain, mind and neurological system.

Patient uses virtual reality headset as part of physical therapy.

UMMC Research: Discoveries for a healthier tomorrow.
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UMMC Research

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is leading the way in discoveries that improve the lives and communities of Mississippians and beyond.

Our faculty rank among the nation’s best in productivity for every dollar invested in our research programs, along with conducting world-renowned studies in heart disease, hypertension, neurocognitive disorders, perinatal diseases and the simulation of human physiology.

Our work is supported by more than $110 million in sponsored programs funds each year, and is conducted in the departments of six schools, 30 research centers and institutes, UMMC’s seven hospitals, statewide clinics and telehealth sites throughout our state and the world.

We’re working together to move promising research to the clinic quickly in our goal to “a healthier Mississippi.”

Featured News

Dr. Babbette LaMarca, professor and chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, works alongside Dr. Nathan Campbell, a PhD student in experimental therapeutics and pharmacology when this photo was taken in 2024, and now an instructor in the department, to continue a legacy of research that began 70 years ago.

70 Years of Pharmacology: Past, Present, Future

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

As the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology marks its 70th anniversary, it stands as a powerhouse with a legacy shaped by decades of discovery, leadership and transformation. Read More

Dr. Lee Bidwell, right, associate vice chancellor for research, congratulates platinum medallion winners Dr. Gailen Marshall, R. Faser Triplett Chair of Allergy and Immunology and Billy S. Guyton Distinguished Professor, and Dr. Lei Zhang, professor and associate dean for research and scholarship in School of Nursing, Billy S. Guyton Distinguished Professor and Harriet G. Williamson Endowed Chair of Population Health Nursing.

OAVCR Excellence Awards honor 2025 research accomplishments

Monday, November 17, 2025

Medical Center researchers across disciplines were hailed for their achievements in the past fiscal year, which saw a record number of proposal submissions. Read More

Latest News

Research by Dr. Keli Xu into the origins of a type of pancreatic cancer could lead to better biomarkers and treatments.

CCRI research seeking to unlock mysteries of pancreatic cancer with $1.8M NCI grant

Published on Monday, December 8, 2025

 Dr. Wu Zhou, professor and director of the research division in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery and PI and director of the BARC, views specimens in the lab with intern researcher Dr. Zelma Iriarte.

UMMC expands research to address hearing and balance disorders

Published on Monday, September 22, 2025

 Dr. Lei Zhang welcomes attendees to the third annual Mississippi Linking Solutions to Violence Summit.

Research enterprise surpasses $100M for fiscal 2025

Published on Monday, September 8, 2025

 Yelena Neely, center, a research associate with the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, draws blood from Kevin Wilbert, director of operations for centers and cores in the department, with encouragement from Dr. Ken Butler, professor of pharmacology and toxicology and associate director of the UMMC Biobank.

UMMC Biobank may reap dividends for improved health statewide

Published on Monday, July 28, 2025

 Image for 2024-2025 UMMC Promotions and Tenure

2024-2025 UMMC Promotions and Tenure

Published on Monday, July 7, 2025

 Recipients of the 2025 Guyton Professorships are, from left, Dr. Michael Garrett, Dr. Babbette LaMarca, Dr. Gailen Marshall, Dr. David Stec and Dr. Lei Zhang.

Faculty members awarded honor named for medical school legend

Published on Monday, June 30, 2025

 In this 2024 photo, Clinical Research coordinator Thomas Hudson draws blood from Jacqualine Ellis of Flora, a participant in three long COVID clinical trials.

That’s My Job: Research Recruiters

Published on Monday, June 2, 2025

Leadership

The University of Mississippi Medical Center's dynamic and growing research enterprise is led by Lee Bidwell, PhD, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research.

Lee Bidwell, PhD, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research
Shukla Faruque, left, a researcher in UMMC's Biobank, takes a blood sample from a participant in a COVID-19 research study, in UMMC's Clinical Research and Trials Unit.

Clinical Trials

Clinical studies help bridge research and patient care by evaluating therapies, drugs and diagnostic tools to drive discoveries into clinical practice. Our researchers invite you to join them in their quest to improve the health of Mississippians by becoming a UMMC Research Partner.

Participate
group of residents

Research Administration

Our research administration teams help facilitate basic, clinical and population-based research at UMMC. Whether you are preparing a grant application, executing your project or filing a patent, these teams can help you navigate through the rules and regulations of the research process.

Offices
Dr. Shou-Ching Tang, who heads the UMMC Cancer Institute's Phase 1 clinical trials program, handles some of the documentation while his patient receives the infusion of a new drug he hopes will halt his cancer.

Centers and Institutes

UMMC’s centers and institutes strive to create a healthier Mississippi. By gathering together scientists and physicians who share a drive to answer questions about the same diseases, research becomes more powerful, collaborations grow stronger and larger-scale projects become possible.

Overview