At SIU School of Medicine, research includes biologically oriented studies as well as studies related to the cultural and behavioral aspects of medicine, methods for the delivery of health care, and the medical education process. Our early research efforts focused primarily on medical school curriculum design, delivery and evaluation. Subsequent areas of clinical research strength included neuropsychopharmacology, including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, auditory research and reproductive biology.

Our current research efforts cover a wide range of basic and clinical sciences with special emphases on cancer, hearing and aging. The expansions of the Springfield Combined Laboratory Facility and the Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU have enabled us to broaden research that benefits the region. About two-thirds of the School's research is funded by federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health. Other support comes from health associations, pharmaceutical companies and private foundations.