New data from the National Science Foundation shows UAB ranked No.18 nationally among public universities and No. 34 overall in federally financed research in 2015, with more than $328.5 million in expenditures. UAB's total research expenditures exceeded $516 million in 2015, ranking the institution No. 25 among public universities and No. 41 overall nationally.

Federally funded research expenditures at UAB have risen from $290.1 million in 2013 to $328.5 million in 2015. UAB President Ray Watts says the increase comes from targeted initiatives of the institution's aggressive strategic planning process.

"As we change the world for the better, it is critical to grow a research enterprise that supports every area of our mission from education to patient care, community service and economic development," Watts said.

At No. 34 in federal research expenditures, UAB ranks sixth among Southeastern universities, behind only North Carolina (8), Duke (10), Georgia Tech (11), Vanderbilt (24) and Emory (27). UAB ranked No. 22 overall in Life Sciences, as well as No. 22 overall in funding from Health and Human Services and No. 10 nationally among public universities.