Iowa State University grew total external funding for fiscal year 2025 to $549.3 million, an increase of $4.7 million over the previous fiscal year. University researchers also attracted $329.9 million over the fiscal year that ended June 30, the second-highest behind the $346.2 million researchers attracted the previous fiscal year. It’s also the third consecutive fiscal year that external research funding has exceeded $300 million, a news release said. The research support over fiscal year 2025 included record funding from three federal agencies: the Department of Energy for university projects and the Ames National Laboratory ($125.2 million), the National Science Foundation ($45.3 million) and the Department of Transportation ($10.1 million). “Over the past six months, the federal research funding landscape evolved more rapidly – and more seismically – than most of us could have imagined,” Peter Dorhout, Iowa State’s vice president for research, said in a prepared statement. “But the faculty, graduate students and staff who comprise our Iowa State research community rose to meet the moment.” External funding supports initiatives across campus, including research projects, academic support, scholarships and facility improvements. The funding can include contracts, grants and cooperative agreements from federal, state and local governments. It also includes funds from individuals, corporations, nonprofits and other universities. To learn more, click here.