The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is a powerful force for economic growth and innovation across the state. As Maryland’s premier public health, law, and human services university, UMB advances research, nurtures startups, creates jobs, and delivers a strong return on public investment.
In Fiscal Year 2024, UMB was awarded $638 million in research grants and contracts. Each tenured or tenure-track faculty member brings in an average of $1.45 million annually in research support — accelerating discoveries that improve health, safety, and social well-being. Together UMB and University of Maryland, College Park rank No. 11 in research and development expenditures among public institutions nationwide, with a combined total of $1.39 billion.
At the heart of UMB’s innovation infrastructure is the 14-acre University of Maryland BioPark, Baltimore’s largest biotechnology cluster. The BioPark is home to nearly three dozen life science companies and over 1,000 employees — serving as a launchpad for the commercialization of new drugs, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health tools. By transforming cutting-edge research into practical applications, the BioPark strengthens Maryland’s global competitiveness in health and life sciences.
UMB generates $8.6 billion in annual economic activity when accounting for its clinical partners, affiliated physician practices, and the University of Maryland Medical Center. The University supports nearly 16,800 jobs across the region. For every $1 the state invests in UMB through general fund appropriations, the University delivers a $10 return in economic value.
