By: Mallory Bachmann
Neurosurgery and neuroscience/neurology research at the University of Florida were each ranked No. 2 nationally in National Institutes of Health funding for 2025, according to newly released rankings from the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research.
The Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases brings together members from more than 30 University of Florida departments, colleges and institutes in support of interdisciplinary care, research and education. This includes strong representation from UF’s Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery.
“Our Departments of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience/Neurology members all play a central role in seamlessly integrating research and in many cases moving it to the bedside,” said Michael S. Okun, M.D., executive director of the Fixel Institute.
NIH-funded neuroscience research at the Fixel Institute continues to advance the early and accurate diagnosis of complex neurological disorders. One such project, Web-Based Automated Imaging Differentiation of Parkinsonism, is led by David Vaillancourt, Ph.D., chair and distinguished professor in the Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology and Fixel Institute member. Dr. Vaillancourt ranks No. 6 in total NIH funding within neurosciences at the University of Florida, reflecting his leadership in translational Parkinson’s disease research.
This study examines the development and validation of a web-based diffusion MRI approach designed to better differentiate Parkinson’s disease from related conditions such as multiple system atrophy (MSA-P) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). By improving diagnostic accuracy, the work aims to reduce misdiagnosis and support earlier, more informed treatment decisions.
“NIH funding was instrumental in evaluating a new tool for assisting in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and other forms of Parkinsonism,” said Vaillancourt.
Within the Lillian S.Wells Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida, Daryl Fields, M.D., Ph.D., a Fixel Institute member, received NIH funding for a project called CSF 5-HIAA Detects Secondary Hypoxic Insults in Humans With Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries. The study is investigating whether 5-HIAA, a molecule found in cerebrospinal fluid, can serve as a reliable biomarker of ongoing secondary damage following traumatic spinal cord injury. This research aims to improve prediction of long-term motor outcomes and help with early treatment strategies to potentially prevent disability and improve recovery time.
Together, these NIH-funded projects highlight the depth and impact of neuroscience and neurosurgical research at the Fixel Institute and the University of Florida. Ongoing and future discoveries not only advance patient care and clinical trials but also continue to drive the national recognition reflected in the NIH funding rankings.
“NIH funding is essential to advancing discovery at the Fixel Institute. It allows our researchers to ask bold questions, pursue innovative ideas and translate science into meaningful improvements in patient care,” said Okun.
Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research rankings, published annually, are derived from data compiled and released by the NIH shortly after the federal fiscal year ends. Visit brimr.org to learn more.