Research drives new record for external funding at Iowa State
Iowa State University attracted a record $425.8 million of external funding in the 2016 fiscal year that ended June 30. That’s a slight increase over the previous record of $424.9 million raised in fiscal year 2015, the university said in a release. A nearly 12 percent increase in external research funding contributed to the record year.
External funding includes grants, contracts, gifts and cooperative agreements from federal, state and local governments as well as from corporations, foundations and other universities. The funds support ISU researchers, students, education programs, equipment purchases, building projects and extension activities. The funding is in addition to state appropriations, which support daily operations of the university.
“This record support shows that Iowa State truly has the talent and facilities to be a leader in educating students and solving problems,” said Iowa State President Steven Leath. “This outstanding support from government agencies, industry, foundations and individuals reinforces our tradition of cross-disciplinary work. And it positions us to do even more to impact our state, country and world.”
A big part of Iowa State’s record year was unprecedented external support of Iowa State researchers. Research funding hit $252.5 million for fiscal year 2016, nearly 12 percent more than the previous year’s research support of $225.7 million. The previous record for research funding was $239.2 million in fiscal year 2010.
“This jump in research funding is supporting exciting projects across the campus, including projects to develop new approaches in data-driven science, resilience of plants and animals in response to our changing climate, and educating students in next-generation plant science and electrical and computer engineering,” said Sarah Nusser, Iowa State’s vice president for research. “We’ve also seen research support from federal agencies, industry, nonprofits and the state grow to five-year highs.”
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