September 14, 2022 at 10:00 AM

Adapted from a press release by University Marketing and Communications

Research funding at the University of Utah increased for the ninth straight year, reaching $686 million in fiscal 2022, which ended June 30. This total was the highest ever for the university. U hit the milestone of $600 million in the last two years and $500 million four years ago.

U of U Health accounts for 67% of U’s overall research funding, reaching $458 million in FY2022.^th A year of continuous growth. In health sciences, 1,801 awards fund his 2,066 funding proposals.

“The innovation and resilience of our faculty and students are evident as they seek solutions to many of the world’s toughest healthcare challenges every day,” said Deputy Director of Health Research at the University of Utah. President Rachel Hess, MD, MS said. “As we move forward, we will continue to work towards discoveries that improve the health and well-being of people around the world and apply to patients at home.”

A member of the prestigious American Association of Universities, U is known in fields as diverse as medicine, science, social work and the arts. This year, research grants were awarded to more than 18 of her colleges in various fields on campus.

Research funding highlights

Research in the United States spans many studies, from medicine to the arts, and funding continues to grow.

• Medical schools grew the most with $331 million in funding dollars, up 15% from the previous fiscal year.
• The College of Education has raised $5.6 million in funding, up 43% from FY21.
• Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute grows 88% to $16 million in fiscal 2021.
• The art college increased its total funding to $1.8 million, a 23% increase in funding from the previous year.

These are just some of the highlights, but research by researchers from multiple disciplines has won research funding on data generation, parentage, cyberinfrastructure, and integrative health. Among the many funding sponsors are the National Institutes of Health, the US Department of Defense, and the National Science Foundation.

The Impact of U’s Research on Utah’s Economy

University research contributes significantly to our local economy. The institution has about 8,000 employees, who are paid for by research funds.

Erin Rothwell, Ph.D., interim vice president for research at the University of Utah, said: “The past three years of research have yielded her $598 million in wages that contribute to the economic engine of the entire state of Utah.”

Finding Solutions for a Better Future Graphic like this: 8,000 employees pay $123 million in U research funding

Thanks to its dedicated researchers and generous donors, U continues to advance in breaking new ground, innovating, and finding solutions to problems affecting the global community.

“Research is about helping people,” says Rothwell. “The continued increase in research funding at our universities is exciting to many, who want to be part of the solution to the problems we face locally, nationally and globally. It shows what you think.”

University president Taylor Randall said U’s goal of raising $1 billion in research funding each year will help the university work towards its goal of becoming a top 10 public university.

“University research funding has increased every year for the last nine years. This is the trajectory we need to have for outstanding social impact,” said Randall. “Through the hard work and dedication of our research community, U aims to be a major player in developing solutions to the world’s grandest challenges such as climate change, mental health and cancer.”

— Written by Shoel Cardenas

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