2024 is being recorded as a productive year for research at West Virginia University as the institution continues to lead the way in serving the Mountain State and the world. (WVU Photo/Davidson Chan)
West Virginia University continued to demonstrate why it’s the Mountain State’s land-grant, flagship R1 institution over the course of 2024.
Here are some of the top research stories from the year:
• WVU shatters research expenditures record for second consecutive year
The University crushed its record in externally supported research expenditures with $275 million — an 82% increase from five years ago. Vice President for Research Fred King said the numbers highlight the dedication for high quality research at our R1 university.
• Scientists named to elite national and international academies
Three WVU researchers earned highly prestigious designations in the science world. In May, astrophysicist Maura McLaughlin was selected to the National Academy of Sciences, a first for WVU. Weeks later, Duncan Lorimer, professor of physics and astronomy, was named a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. And in October, Dr. Sally Hodder, director of the West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute, was elected to the National Academy of Medicine, also a University first.
• A good RAP
The faculty-mentored Research Apprenticeship Program, administered by the Office of Undergraduate Research, leads to higher student retention rates than institutional averages. Additionally, data revealed higher retention rates for participants from historically marginalized populations.
• RNI continues to unravel ways to better the brain
The WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute published research from a first-in-human study showing that focused ultrasound, combined with antibody treatment, can reduce plaque in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. A $2 million appropriation from the West Virginia Legislature was passed to help RNI expand its research.
• Student success
From biomedical engineering to psychology, students earned ways to blaze forward with their research endeavors through various programs, including the Ruby Fellows, Goldwater Scholarships and WVU Foundation support.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Jake Stump
Director
WVU Research Communications
304-293-5507; Jake.Stump@mail.wvu.edu
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