Research and Innovation
Advancing scientific discovery and fostering transformative breakthroughs
Together for CHANGE
Aims to improve health, health care, education, and training of people of African ancestry in health awareness, disease prevention education, and treatment development.
Innovation to Impact
Our research centers are advancing health through clinical and translational research that bridges scientific discovery and patient care.
The Office for Research and Innovation (OfRI) at Meharry stands as the cornerstone of our institution’s commitment to advancing scientific discovery and fostering transformative breakthroughs. Our mission is to empower every Meharry investigator across the full spectrum of inquiry—from fundamental basic sciences to cutting-edge clinical research and critical policy analysis.
The OfRI consists of four main departments across all schools at Meharry Medical College:
- Grants Management
- Regulatory Affairs
- Support Services
- Technology Transfer
OfRI provides oversight of shared resources, core facilities, centers and institutes, collectively known as Organized Research Units (ORUs).
In collaboration with the Research Advisory Council (RAC), the OfRI develops and implements policies designed to enhance the research and innovation portfolio, aligning with Meharry’s mission as outlined in the Sesquicentennial Strategic Plan.
The OfRI also proudly supports the Journal of Healthcare for the Poor and Underserved, a Meharry-owned, peer-reviewed journal exclusively dedicated to contemporary health and healthcare issues of medically underserved communities.
Institutional Metrics and Impact
Expanded Institutional Research Footprint
- Between the periods 2010–15 and 2020–25, total PubMed-indexed publications from Meharry rose from 444 to 1,067, and contributions to Cell, Nature and Science family journals increased from 1 to 27.
- Networks of cross-disciplinary collaborations grew from 8,632 to 217,671, as computed by Meharry co-authorship network analyses of PubMed exports spanning both intra and inter-disciplinary research.
- Growth in scholarly outputs coincided with a 3.5-fold inflation-adjusted increase in sponsored research funding, totaling $128 Million.
Resources for Researchers
From groundbreaking centers to modern facilities and shared resources, our resources help harness the collective expertise of our faculty and students.
Healthcare Innovation
Through tech transfer, we empower industry, governmental organizations and community organizations to turn visionary ideas into impactful innovations, bridging the gap between the lab and patient care.
Reseach Programs and Partnerships
We advance a portfolio of programs and partnerships dedicated to promoting global health advancement, community-engaged research, and accelerating innovation in biomedical science.
Important Dates
News Feed
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Meharry Medical College’s School of Dentistry officially celebrated the Abilities Beyond Life’s Expectations (A.B.L.E.) Clinic grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony, highlighting its commitment to addressing the dental needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a population that experiences disproportionate levels of tooth decay and […]
Written by: Dionne Lucas, Director of Donor Communications. Nashville native Jamiya Gordon has known since middle school that she wanted to become a physician. Years later, that early ambition has brought her to Meharry Medical College, where receiving her first white coat will mark the next step in a journey […]
Written By: Dionne Lucas, Director of Donor Communications When Jewet Stefanos receives her first white coat at Meharry Medical College, she will begin a journey shaped by family legacy and a commitment to service. Stefanos grew up moving frequently because of her father’s career in the U.S. Navy. Born in […]