The Callier Center for Communication Disorders, part of the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at UT Dallas, treats patients, trains students and conducts research in audiology and speech-language pathology.
The University of Texas at Dallas School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences (BBS) has reached a new peak in its research trajectory, ascending to No. 2 in the U.S. for National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding among schools of allied health professions.
The newly released 2025 Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR) rankings reflect the school’s accelerating rise on the national stage. After ranking third in the nation last year, BBS climbed to No. 2 and maintained its position as the top NIH-funded allied health school in Texas for the second consecutive year.
The BRIMR rankings, widely regarded as a leading benchmark of research prominence, are published yearly based on total NIH research funding awarded to U.S. institutions. The BRIMR began including schools of allied health professions in the rankings in 2024.
“Research across BBS is focused on discovery and innovation that impacts the health and well-being of people across DFW and beyond. In every lab and every classroom, you will find BBS faculty and students driven by impacting our communities for the better,” said Dr. Adam J. Woods, BBS dean and the Aage and Margareta Møller Distinguished Professor in Behavioral and Brain Sciences. “The combination of rigorous scholarship, applied training and community partnership is central to our mission and reflected in this ranking. Our school is proud to elevate the excellence of UT Dallas and make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.”
In fiscal year 2025, NIH funding held by BBS faculty comprised more than half of UT Dallas’ total NIH funding. All NIH grants awarded to UT Dallas in NIH’s allied health professions category are held by BBS researchers.
“Faculty in BBS uniquely bridge research and clinical practice through clinical and translational research projects across the breadth of health professions,” said Dr. Colleen Le Prell, professor and department head of speech, language, and hearing and the Emilie and Phil Schepps Distinguished Professor of Hearing Science. “Our students and faculty have a direct impact on the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients.”
With researchers in areas spanning psychology, neuroscience, and speech, language, and hearing, BBS advances work that directly serves the Dallas-Fort Worth community while shaping care, policy and practice beyond North Texas. From clinics and classrooms to laboratories and community partnerships, the school’s research translates into meaningful improvements in health, communication and quality of life.
BrainHealth Leader Inducted into Philosophical Society of Texas
Sandra Bond Chapman PhD’86, Center for BrainHealth chief director and the Dee Wyly Distinguished University Chair for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas, was inducted into the Philosophical Society of Texas on Feb. 6.
As a pioneering cognitive neuroscientist, Chapman has transformed the understanding of brain health, with more than 50 funded research grants and 250 peer‑reviewed publications that expand knowledge about measuring and enhancing human cognitive capacity across the lifespan.
Sandra Bond Chapman PhD’86
“Being inducted into the Philosophical Society of Texas is such a meaningful honor — especially to be included among leading Texans who have impacted our world for the better,” Chapman said. “I am thrilled to be recognized for my research and discoveries that are advancing brain health for the citizens of Texas and around the world.”
The Philosophical Society of Texas was founded in 1837 with a mission to support the cultural and intellectual development of Texas through the “collection and diffusion of knowledge.”
The society has had more than 1,100 members since its founding, with current membership limited to 250 active members. Members are invited based on their contributions in academia; arts and letters; medicine; business; law; philanthropy; technology; and community leadership.
Notable honorees have included former President George W. Bush; former first lady Laura Bush; Dr. David E. Daniel, UT Dallas president emeritus; UT System Chancellor John M. Zerwas; retired Adm. William H. McRaven, former UT System chancellor; Robert H. Dedman, former vice chairman of the O’Donnell Foundation; and philanthropist Lyda Hill.
Accolades is an occasional News Center feature that highlights recent accomplishments of The University of Texas at Dallas faculty, students and staff. To submit items for consideration, contact your school’s communications manager.
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