Reflecting on a Remarkable 2024: Advancing Health Together

As we approach the end of 2024, let’s take a moment to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of our health sciences community. Together, we have made strides in improving health, advancing research, and strengthening connections with the communities we serve. Here are just a few highlights from this remarkable year:

• Advancing the Next Generation of Scientists
  The University received three grants totaling more than $9.3 million to support the Clinical and Translational Science Institute's K12 career development program for early-career faculty and T32 program for postdoctoral and predoctoral trainees. These programs are vital to training diverse, multidisciplinary biomedical scientists and leaders committed to improving human health.
• Improving Aging and Long-Term Care
  Researchers from the School of Public Health’s Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation unveiled the first statewide report card analyzing quality of life in assisted living facilities. This invaluable resource empowers Minnesotans to make informed decisions for their loved ones.
• Transforming Community-Driven Pain Management Solutions
  The Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing's Integrative Health & Wellbeing Research Program received a $4.5 million NIH grant to expand the Partners4Pain study. Building on a successful $1.5 million pilot, this community-driven initiative develops innovative pain management programs for underserved populations. Notably, 75% of pilot participants were from NIH-defined racial and ethnic minority groups.
• Addressing Tobacco-Related Cancer Disparities
  Thanks to a partnership between the Masonic Cancer Center, the School of Public Health, and the American Indian Cancer Foundation, MCC researchers were granted federal funds to evaluate a culturally-tailored smoking cessation resource for American Indians. The program builds on prior research and the SmokefreeNATIVE program that the coalition launched in 2023, which was highlighted by the White House Cancer Moonshot Agenda. This initiative addresses tobacco-related cancer disparities, which are a unique challenge within Minnesota and across the country.
• Leading in Indigenous Nursing Education
  With 19 American Indian/Alaska Native students, the School of Nursing leads the nation in Indigenous enrollment in Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. The school also earned the Exemplary Academic-Practice Partnership Award for its 10 collaboratories aimed at improving nursing practice, education, and patient outcomes.
• Innovating in Dental Imaging
  The School of Dentistry opened the nation’s first dental-dedicated orofacial MRI center. This groundbreaking facility is transforming how we diagnose and treat complex orofacial conditions.
• Increasing Native American Representation
  The College of Veterinary Medicine recently launched the Native American Talent in Veterinary Education (NATIVet) Initiative, designed to increase the representation of Native American individuals in veterinary education and enrich the profession with diverse perspectives and talents.
• Driving Legislative Wins
  Faculty from the College of Pharmacy joined pharmacy advocates to secure key victories for the profession in this year’s legislative session.

As we reflect on these milestones, we are reminded of the immense impact of our collective efforts. These achievements would not be possible without your passion, dedication, and innovation. Thank you for all that you do to make the University of Minnesota a leader in health education, research, prevention and care.

Here’s to a 2025 filled with even more breakthroughs and progress.