Research

Overview

UCSF School of Pharmacy faculty discoveries significantly impact the lives of the world's patients. Our research encompasses an entire spectrum, from understanding molecules at one end to ensuring the right patient receives the right medication at the other. Our scientists reveal the basic biochemical mechanisms of health and disease and explore molecular targets for new drugs. They both develop and share the leading technologies that enable their science. They drive the development of new medicines, medical devices, and diagnostic tests. And they investigate methodologies toward the safest, individualized, and most effective use of affordable, accessible medications for all patients.

Regardless of where their work falls along this spectrum, precise therapeutics is their common goal.

Research areas

Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences

Research overview

Department of Clinical Pharmacy

Research overview

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Research overview

Organized research unit (ORU)

Dean’s Office

Research services and facilities

Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences

Department of Clinical Pharmacy

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Research programs and collaborations

Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences

Department of Clinical Pharmacy

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry*

*The technologies within each of these core facilities are advanced and improved by department faculty members and used by faculty members at UCSF and beyond to conduct their science.

scientists working.
Susan Merrell

COVID-19

Many School faculty members are intensely focused on COVID-19 research, collaborating with PhD students and other scientists in San Francisco and worldwide. See our COVID-19 Research Responses.

Leadership

Vice Dean of Research

Fraser

James Fraser, PhD, coordinates the School’s broad research efforts, aiming to catalyze collaborations across labs, departments, the university, and outside institutions. He also ensures our research agenda is aligned with staff and learner career goals.

Vice Dean of Entre­preneur­ship and Industry Relations

Adam Renslo, PhD, is the School’s representative in collaborations between our academic scientists and industry, aiming to translate the most promising discoveries and technologies into therapies that reach patients.

Funding

The School of Pharmacy has been the recipient of more National Institutes of Health research funding than any other pharmacy school in the United States, every year since 1979. See: Funding Rankings.

Entrepreneurship

Founding companies is one way our researchers turn basic science discoveries into new therapies for patients. Entrepreneurship is encouraged and supported throughout the University of California and is an integral part of its technological, economic, and social benefits.