Duke Orthopaedic Surgery has been ranked No. 1 in the nation for National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding in 2025, according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR). This marks the sixth consecutive year the department has placed among the top two orthopaedic programs nationwide.
The ranking reflects Duke’s breadth and momentum in musculoskeletal research, with 18 principal investigators leading NIH-supported projects across regenerative medicine, musculoskeletal biology, surgical innovation, and improved care delivery. These efforts are driving meaningful advancements in diagnostics, rehabilitation, biologic repair, and patient‑centered treatment pathways—work highlighted at the recent State of the Department.
Department chair Dr. Benjamin A. Alman, MD, noted that the distinction represents far more than funding: “This ranking reflects the extraordinary productivity and influence of our faculty. I am incredibly proud of the work carried out every day across our clinical, education, and research missions. This achievement represents just one dimension of what makes our department so strong and so impactful.”
Duke Orthopaedic Surgery’s integrated strengths in clinical excellence, scientific discovery, and education continue to shape the future of musculoskeletal care—locally, nationally, and globally.