Submitted on March 5, 2026
The UCSF Department of Urology is once again ranked #1 in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding among urology departments nationwide, according to the latest rankings from the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research. In 2025, the department secured more than $12.2 million in NIH research funding.
The rankings also highlight the impact of UCSF’s individual investigators. Davide Ruggero, PhD, a professor of urology at UCSF, ranked as the #1 NIH-funded principal investigator in urology nationwide, receiving more than $4.4 million in NIH funding.
Ruggero’s laboratory focuses on understanding how cancer cells hijack the cellular machinery that controls protein production. His research has helped reveal how disruptions in mRNA translation and protein synthesis drive cancer development, insights that are guiding the development of new therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. “NIH support allows us to pursue fundamental questions about how cancer develops and progresses,” Dr. Ruggero said. “By understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive disease, we can begin to identify new vulnerabilities in cancer cells and ultimately develop more effective therapies for patients.”
“Our NIH ranking speaks to the strength of our research community,” said Benjamin N. Breyer, MD, Chair of the UCSF Department of Urology. “Our faculty, trainees, and research staff are asking bold questions and working collaboratively to push the field forward every day.”
UCSF investigators are conducting groundbreaking research across a wide range of areas, including prostate and bladder cancer, kidney disease, pelvic floor disorders, male infertility, and health services research focused on improving outcomes and care delivery. Many projects also integrate emerging fields such as genomics, data science, and precision medicine to address some of the most pressing challenges in urologic health.
The continued #1 ranking underscores UCSF’s role as a national hub for innovation in urology. Research supported by NIH funding is helping shape new clinical practices, inform national treatment guidelines, and bring promising therapies closer to patients. “Our work ultimately comes back to the patients and families we serve,” Dr. Breyer said. “Every discovery brings us closer to more precise, more effective and more compassionate care.”