Shobha Swaminathan
Associate professor at New Jersey Medical School
Research at Rutgers
The Backbone of a Great State University
Breakthroughs in knowledge—technology, the humanities, or health care—are the essence of a top research university. At Rutgers, we have a strong track record of discovery—from finding a cure for tuberculosis to developing eco-friendly building materials, just to name a few.
$750.8 Million
Research grants and sponsored programs
2019 data
Top 100
World’s most innovative universities
Reuters (2019)
1,300+
Active issued worldwide patents
2019 data
Fueling America’s R&D Engine
The results of Rutgers research impact our quality of life, promote prosperity, and enrich humanity in so many ways—from detecting nuclear threats and crime to creating the world’s biggest network of ocean data to exploring the central nervous system.
Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Rutgers University–New Brunswick, in conjunction with Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, is a member of the Association of American Universities and the Big Ten Academic Alliance—networks that cultivate knowledge sharing and access to research resources.
Rutgers University–Newark
In and of the city of Newark, Rutgers engages civic-minded changemakers and fosters experiential learning. The university is rated a Doctoral University: High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Classification of Higher Education.
Rutgers University–Camden
With a classification as a Doctoral University: High Research Activity by Carnegie, Rutgers University–Camden fosters a dynamic faculty and student research environment with support in finding funding and collaboration.
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Rutgers people across scores of disciplines engage in research that focuses on human health. It’s one of the advantages of a large research university: because we study, teach, and practice all aspects of health care, the latest advances and discoveries inform our treatment of patients.
A Reputation for Excellence
Starting from an early emphasis on agriculture and the mechanical arts related to the university’s land-grant mission, Rutgers research has expanded into a leading hub for respected researchers tackling society's largest challenges.
The achievements of our award-winning faculty drive Rutgers’ world-class reputation. They teach, discover, provide health care, innovate, mentor, and share their knowledge. Leaders in their fields, their everyday endeavors yield brilliant outcomes.
Fostering Inquiry and Innovation
Empowering Researchers
Support for Rutgers' vibrant research community is a priority throughout all stages of the research life cycle—from finding funding to commercialization.
Corporate Engagement Center
Partnerships have the power to transform faculty research. Rutgers fosters long-term engagements between businesses and the university community in the areas of sponsored research, commercialization, training, and philanthropy.
Core Facilities
Researchers, students, and partners have access to state-of-the-art scientific instruments, tools, and laboratories.
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Rutgers research sparks innovation and improves lives. A robust environment for technology transfer assists in getting new products and services to market.
Research Centers and Institutes
In clinics and centers, in labs and libraries, in the field and across the globe, our faculty and students create knowledge, advance economic progress, improve lives, and enrich our humanity. Take a look at some of the Rutgers centers and institutes making an impact.
Research
Shobha Swaminathan is an infectious disease expert and the research site leader for NIH-funded clinical trials at New Jersey Medical School (NJMS). Swaminathan is also the principal investigator for the Division of AIDS-funded clinical research site, where she successfully implemented multiple NIH-funded HIV treatment and prevention studies. Under her direction, NJMS has been one of the leading sites for the enrollment of women and minority populations.
Impact
As the coronavirus pandemic gripped the United States, her team pivoted to conducting clinical trials for COVID-19. Among those studies was a COVID-19 vaccine trial. As site principal investigator, Swaminathan led her team on the phase 3 Moderna vaccine trial, contributing to the science that ultimately received emergency use authorization approval in December 2020. “Rutgers is a state institution, and it reaches everyone from north to south,” she said of Rutgers being one of a select group of sites to conduct the research. “It really shows Rutgers’ relevance as a key scientific research institution not only in the state, but in the country.”
Passion
“I find taking care of my patients in the clinic and participants in clinical trials to be the most satisfying aspect of my job,” Swaminathan said, adding that she is actively engaged as a primary caregiver for the community in Newark, particularly the HIV-positive population. “Additionally, clinical trials provide opportunities for participants to access cutting-edge science that will hopefully have a positive impact not only on their lives but potentially impact the whole world. I know my work means something for my patients. Being able to give people hope who have none. It’s important,” she said. “Hope is everything we have, right?”
Featured Research News
Rutgers faculty are leading the charge forward—asking the big questions, challenging what we know, and sparking innovation—to improve the human condition and the environment.
Read about our research endeavors.
