Research

various researchers

Duke University School of Medicine is the vibrant home for the next generation of discovery. Our capacity for innovation stems from knitting together our existing strengths in fundamental basic science and deepening our growing translational capabilities, our integration with Duke’s national recognized clinical enterprise, and our unique scale and depth in clinical research. The combined efforts of the school’s basic and clinical faculty members in 26 departments, and numerous centers, institutes and initiatives make Duke one of the largest biomedical research enterprises in the country with $1 billlion in sponsored research expenditures annually. 

Duke Research Saves Lives

The words Duke Research Saves Live in a child's handwriting and written in crayon

Duke’s relentless pursuit of scientific innovation transforms groundbreaking discoveries into life-changing patient care and healthier communities. Explore how Duke researchers are changing people’s lives across North Carolina and around the world.

Explore Duke Research

 

Research News

Duke researchers have created a new antibody that helps the immune system find and attack cancer cells and virus-infected cells that try to hide by using a molecule called HLA-E. In early lab and mouse studies, the antibody boosted immune cells' ability to destroy these hidden diseased cells, raising hopes for a new treatment approach against both cancer and certain viral infections.
Duke University School of Medicineresearcher Amy Gladfelter studies fungal cells to uncover clues about everything from disease and pregnancy to how organisms adapt to stress.
Duke University School of Medicine postdoctoral researcher Drew Schreiner, PhD, has been named a 2026 STAT Wunderkind by STAT News for his work understanding how songbirds learn and develop their song. He is one of 28 early-career doctors and researchers in North America honored by the news outlet this year. 
New research from Duke University School of Medicine points to a surprising possibility: a naturally occurring human gut bacterium produces a sugar molecule that helps obese mice increase energy expenditure and reduce visceral fat that accumulates around internal organs and is associated with diabetes and heart disease.

  

Nobel Laureates  Robert Lefkowitz, MD and Paul Modrich, Ph.D.

Nobel Laureates

Duke University School of Medicine is proud to claim two Nobel Laureates among its faculty. Robert Lefkowitz, M.D., professor of medicine and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, was recognized in 2012 for his work on a class of cell surface receptors that have become the target of prescription drugs, including antihistamines, ulcer drugs and beta blockers to relieve hypertension, angina and coronary diseases. Paul Modrich, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, was recognized in 2015 for mapping, at a molecular level, how cells repair damaged DNA and safeguard the genetic information.