Charles Drew University Research Home 

Research Overview 

Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science performs high quality research that focuses on key health disparities issues. Under the direction of Keith C. Norris, M.D., FACP, Executive Vice President for Research and Health Affairs, the University has had tremendous growth in research with an increase in its annual research funding from $5.7 million in 1998 to $34 million in 2005. Charles Drew University now ranks in the top 7% for the level of funding from over 3,000 NIH-funded institutions and in the top 50 Private Research Universities as rated by the Center for Measuring University Performance. A recent NSF analysis (figure 1) reported US scientific publishing was flat from 1992-2001 despite increased research funding. The #1 institution in the country in publication growth over this period among the top 200 institutions by level of NIH funding, was Charles Drew University with a 127% increase (the U.S. average is <1%).

CdrewResearch.png Figure 1 NSF Report*
* Top American Research Universities, 2006. p14. Accessed July 26, 2007 at http://mup.asu.edu/research2006.pdf; Science, 2007; vol. 317, p. 582.


The Charles Drew University Research Enterprise is dedicated to closing the gap on health care disparities among underserved and ethnic minority populations and so much more. The important work done by our researchers brings attention to health issues and diseases that disproportionately affect minorities and the poor. Diabetes, hypertension, cancer, reproductive health, chronic kidney disease, neuro-psychiatric disorders and HIV/AIDS are just a few of the areas where Charles Drew University researchers, faculty and staff members make a difference. Our nationally and internationally renowned researchers are breaking new ground, integrating research advances into the basic sciences and setting new standards in healthcare disparities research for underserved communities. In July 2007, the University was awarded a $9.5 million NIH-NCRR grant to lead a Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Translational Research Network to reduce health disparities and strengthen the research capacity of each of the 18 partner institution across the consortia.


Research Contact Information


Executive Vice President for Research and Health Affairs
Keith C. Norris, MD, FACP
11705 Deputy Yamamoto Pl., Ste. B
Lynwood, CA  90262
Phone: 323-249-5702

Medical Sciences Institute
323-249-5714

RCMI
323-563-5911

Office of Grants and Contracts
323-563-5843

Office of Research Administration
323-563-5990