The University of Michigan’s annual research spending in fiscal year 2024 exceeded $2 billion for the first time, according to its fiscal year report released in October. Total spending was $2.04 billion, an increase of 9.9% from the previous year. The fiscal year also saw 615 inventions by UM researchers and the establishment of 28 new start-up companies, the report said.
The $2.04 billion total reflects both funding from the university itself and external sources such as federal agencies, philanthropic organizations, and corporations. Internal funds reached a record of approximately $663 million, while federal funds accounted for $1.17 billion.
In an email to The Michigan Daily, Arthur Lupia, UM’s interim vice president for research and innovation, said these numbers reflect the work of researchers in a variety of fields.
“Research spending of more than $2 billion represents the continued growth and dedication of our many faculty, staff, and students across our three campuses,” Professor Lupia wrote. “This is a milestone that demonstrates our commitment to UM’s mission of being a leader in innovation and serving our state, nation and world through research.”
Lupia said the Amplify Research and Scholarship Strategy aims to increase funding for research funding and faculty awards, and the Bold Strategy aims to foster research that addresses societal challenges. Programs such as the “Challenges” initiative contributed to the increase in funding. .
“The most valuable asset a university has is its people,” Lupia wrote. “A talented and committed research community is key to our university’s success. Initiatives such as Vision 2034, Bold Challenge, and the President’s Strategy to Expand Research and Scholarship are also key drivers of our success. , will be even more effective in creating opportunities for researchers in the future.”
Medical schools remain the sector with the highest research spending, totaling approximately $889 million, an increase of 10.17% compared to last year. Most departments saw an increase in spending starting in FY2023, but the School of Education saw an 8.21% decrease in funding and the School of Business saw a 2.79% decrease.
Michael Bastedo, associate dean for research at the Marsal Family School of Education, said in an email to The Daily that the school consistently ranks highly in educational programs and educational research, and the decline in spending is not a cause for concern. I wrote it. .
“FY 2024 research spending data reflects normal fluctuations in grant productivity and is not indicative of trends at Marsal Family Education School,” Bastedo wrote. “Each year’s productivity is influenced by the total number and composition of the faculty, the total number of grant applications and awards, the average size of grant applications and awards, and various funding cycles. Our most recent quarterly report We’re seeing a near-record number of grant applications in the next cycle, and we expect great things.”
One of the departments with the largest increase in funding was the Office of the Vice President for Research, which saw spending increase by 60.53%. Those funds were used to support programs such as the Firearm Injury Prevention Institute, Rupiah said.
“One of the activities[OVPR is conducting]is disbursing external grants collected by the Firearm Injury Prevention Institute,” Lupia wrote. “Another is AI. OVPR is ramping up efforts to support both AI research at UM and AI-related research at UM. The third activity is to expand research and scholarship.” The President’s Strategy: Amplification, as we call it, positions various UM researchers to create future waves of discovery and impact. This increase covered necessary spending on important organizational priorities to advance both our research enterprise and the University. ”
The university has seen annual research spending increase every year since 2021. Professor Rupiah said the increased funding is helping the university achieve key elements of its mission.
“The University of Michigan’s pursuit of new discoveries not only contributes to solving complex global challenges, but also has a profound impact on economic and social development,” Professor Lupia wrote. “Our work leads to new technologies, start-up businesses, and research-backed policy decisions that benefit society. In addition, our collaborative efforts with community partners, industry, national laboratories, and others help improve healthcare, It embodies our mission to help improve sustainability, public policy and more, and to serve the people of Michigan and the world as effectively as possible.”
Aneesa Reddisi, a third-year public health student, has been involved in university research since her freshman year and currently serves as an undergraduate research assistant at the Rickard Institute. In an interview with the Daily, Ledisi said he believes research funding plays an important role in improving students’ knowledge and skills, especially at universities that are recognized as leading public research universities. Ta.
“Research is a really important hands-on experience,” Ledissi said. “My research experience has definitely had a positive impact on my work in the classroom and in my professional life. …Research is really important and you basically need research experience or you can go to a top graduate school or a top graduate school. This is especially important in the current situation where admission to a graduate program is a fundamental necessity.”
In an Oct. 17 press release, Santa Ono University President expressed satisfaction with research funding and progress over the past year.
“The University of Michigan continues to set the standard for what a research university can and should be,” Ono wrote. “Our unprecedented achievements in research and innovation reflect the collective efforts of our talented students and faculty. By translating breakthrough discoveries into practical solutions, we are making progress.” and improve lives globally.”
Daily News Editor Nadia Taekcens can be reached at taeckens@umich.edu.
