For the fourth consecutive year, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation has ranked as one of the top 10 scientific institutions for academic faculty in the United States.

The Scientistmagazine recently announced the results of its annual “Best Places to Work in Academia” survey, and the Noble Foundation ranked No. 7 out of more than 80 research institutions nationwide. In previous years, the Noble Foundation has ranked No. 5 (2010), No. 9 (2009) and No. 8 (2008) – the first year the organization participated in the survey.

“Our continued placement at the top of this national survey demonstrates sustained excellence,” said Michael A. Cawley, president and chief executive officer. “The Noble Foundation continues to be among national and global leaders in research because of our quality faculty and our unified drive to improve.”

The magazine’s Web-based survey garnered 2,260 responses from life scientists at institutions across the country. Participants were asked to rate their institutions on 37 criteria in eight different areas that make up their working conditions and environment. The Noble Foundation received top scores for research and resources, as well as management and policies.

“The research environment at the Noble Foundation is truly unequaled,” said Richard Dixon, director of the Plant Biology Division. “Our researchers collaborate across disciplines to move cutting edge basic and applied plant science research from the laboratory to the field in a seamless manner unique among plant science research institutions.” 

 The Noble Foundation employs more than 110 Ph.D.s from 29 different countries to perform fundamental and translational plant science research as well as applied agricultural research at the organization’s headquarters in Ardmore, Okla. The organization’s research activities complement a regional agricultural consultation and education program that began in 1945. The institution provides more than 500,000 square feet of research and administration space; 12,000 acres of research and demonstration land; dedicated funding; and ample support personnel to assist its research and agricultural consultation staff.

“As the survey results communicate, the resources available to our staff go beyond merely dedicated funding for research and superior facilities,” said Charlie Brummer, Ph.D., director of the Forage Improvement Division. “The support our scientists receive from our administration permits them to focus on conducting research and delivering solutions to problems facing agriculture worldwide.”

The Noble Foundation ranked as the highest agricultural and plant science research institute in this year’s survey. The Noble Foundation was also the highest ranked Oklahoma institution (Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation ranked No. 10 and the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center ranked No. 14), leading the way for Oklahoma to be the only state with three institutions in the top 15.