University of Maryland Ranks Among Top Public Research Institutions
The University of Maryland has made headlines by rising to No. 14 overall and No. 9 among public institutions in the National Science Foundation’s latest Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey. This marks an impressive jump from its previous rankings of No. 18 and No. 11, respectively.
This leap is largely due to the university’s significant investment in impactful research that aims to enhance lives locally and globally. Together, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) and the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) formed a unified research enterprise. In the 2024 fiscal year, they reported over $1.5 billion in research expenditures—an increase of $154 million from the previous year.
President Bruce E. Jarrell of UMB highlighted the crucial role of research in improving health and well-being. He emphasized that their ranking isn’t just a number but a reflection of the university’s commitment to public higher education and its positive effects on society. Likewise, Darryll J. Pines, President of UMCP, praised the collaboration between the two campuses. He noted that combining their strengths in engineering, science, and medicine accelerates the translation of research into practical medical solutions.
Recent stats reinforce this partnership’s impact. According to the National Science Foundation, national research spending grew by over 5% in 2024, primarily due to collaborative efforts among institutions. UMB and UMCP’s partnership aligns perfectly with this trend.
The 2016 University of Maryland Strategic Partnership Act formalized their collaborative efforts. The program, known as MPowering the State, brings together various scientific initiatives, including the Maryland Blended Reality Center and the Institute for Health Computing.
Additionally, a new initiative, the Edward & Jennifer St. John Center for Translational Engineering and Medicine, launched in January 2025. This facility in Baltimore aims to directly address health challenges and speed up the development of medical innovations, showing a strong commitment to turning research into tangible benefits for patients.
Vice President for Research Patrick O’Shea pointed to the dedication of faculty and the state’s support for research as key factors that continue to drive their success.
Both UMB and UMCP have rich histories, dating back to UMB’s founding in 1807, making it the oldest public medical school in the U.S. Today, UMB focuses on improving health through education and research, while UMCP is recognized as Maryland’s flagship university, hosting over 50,000 students and boasting a strong emphasis on public service and innovation.
In a world where collaboration is increasingly crucial, the University of Maryland’s partnership serves as a model for how joint efforts can lead to groundbreaking discoveries that significantly impact communities everywhere.
