The Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery has active research programs within all aspects of the specialty, including investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored clinical trials for many difficult-to-treat diseases.

Our active research portfolio is supported by more than 2 million dollars in annual funding from the NIH and other sources. Faculty within the department have specific areas of research interest and additionally collaborate with other investigators at UAB and around the country. Basic and translational research is conducted across three laboratories, including 3,500 square feet of newly renovated multi-PI space in the McCallum Basic Health Sciences Building. Investigators in these labs conduct research that includes targeted head and neck oncology therapies, optical and molecular imaging, mucosal immunology, and cystic fibrosis pathophysiology. The department also conducts clinical research with an emphasis on health care outcomes and social determinants of health in the head and neck cancer population, with additional outcomes research programs in laryngology/voice care, sleep, and otology/neurotology.

Basic, translational, and clinical research opportunities are available to residents within the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery during a dedicated research rotation. Residents are expected in their PGY3, 4, and 5 years to produce a paper for submission to a national meeting and present at the Annual Residents' Research Day, held in May of each year. Residents frequently present their work at national meetings and have the opportunity to work with any of the faculty they choose.