The Department of Surgery has a rich history of renowned basic and clinical science research, distinguishing itself as an academic and clinical center of excellence.

Both the University of Minnesota and the Department of Surgery rank highly in the number and amount of research grants, according to the National Science Foundation. We receive several million dollars each fiscal year in sponsored research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), internal allocations, and private donations.

The Department of Surgery currently ranks ninth in NIH research funding among all departments of surgery in the nation.

Research Activities

The department has pursued intensive research for the past three decades under the auspices of the only NIH-sponsored program project grant in organ transplantation. This grant supports research in transplant immunology in animals and humans, with studies in xenotransplantation, pancreas and islet transplantation, basic transplant immunology, and comparison of various immunosuppressive regimens.

A unique research experience distinguishes our program from many if not most others. At the completion of the PGY-3 year, over 95% of our residents conduct independent, supervised research, without clinical responsibilities, for an intense period of 1 to 4 years.

Basic & Translational Sciences Laboratory
Basic & Translational Research

Basic and Translational Research comprises an intellectually diverse subgroup of nonclinical Department of Surgery specialists that represent a wide-ranging skill set.

Experimental Surgical Services
Experimental Surgical Services

As a leading pre-clinical research center, Experimental Surgical Services is dedicated to advancing medical technology through translational research.

Preclinical Research Center
Preclinical Research Center 

PCRC leads the way in outstanding biomedical research using world-class modeling that is inspired by our innovation, creativity, and deep commitment to the psychological well-being, health, and biology of animals used in research.

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Natural Language Processing/Information Extraction Program

The Natural Language Processing/Information Extraction (NLP/IE) Program works on natural language processing (NLP) for a variety of clinical and biomedical tasks.

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Schulze Diabetes Institute

Developing a cure takes a combination of brilliant minds, high-tech facilities and robust funding to ensure scientists can do their work. The Schulze Diabetes Institute brings it all together.

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Visible Heart Laboratories

The Visible Heart Laboratories are premier labs that perform translational systems physiology research which ranges from cellular and tissue studies to organ and whole body investigations.

History of Medicine

Since its founding in 1967, the Medical School’s Program in the History of Medicine has been dedicated to research and teaching in the intellectual, political, cultural, and social history of disease, health care, and medical science.

History of Medicine

Research Ethics

We are committed to protecting research participants, upholding ethical standards, and improving our practice at every step of our work.

Commitment to Research Ethics