Arizona State University (ASU) has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing $1 billion in annual research funding for the first time. This achievement places ASU among the top 4% of research institutions across the United States, according to the latest findings from the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey. The university’s total research expenditures reached $1.003 billion for the fiscal year 2024, marking an eightfold increase since Michael Crow took office as ASU president in 2002.
ASU’s ranking is impressive, placing it 37th overall among universities nationwide, ahead of notable institutions such as Michigan State University, Purdue, and the University of Chicago. Among public universities, ASU stands at 21st, surpassing Michigan State University, Indiana University, and Rutgers. Additionally, ASU ranks 5th among institutions without a medical school, ahead of the University of Colorado-Boulder, Purdue, and Princeton.
Transforming Research into Community Benefits
“We have remained steadfast and determined in our goal to build a new model of a great American research university,” said Michael Crow. He emphasized that the growth in research funding underscores ASU’s commitment to serving the community, state, and nation.
ASU’s John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering has recently received preliminary accreditation, with its inaugural class set to begin in summer 2026. The university has consistently risen in global rankings, being named No. 1 in innovation by U.S. News & World Report for the past eleven years and recognized for its global impact toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by Times Higher Education for six consecutive years.
The HERD survey collects data from hundreds of institutions, providing insight into research expenditures. While the survey reflects a snapshot of funding from approximately a year and a half ago, ASU’s diverse funding sources include federal agencies, state and local grants, and private organizations. According to Sally C. Morton, executive vice president of ASU Knowledge Enterprise, this diverse portfolio showcases the institution’s strength in delivering impactful results.
Notable Rankings and Research Achievements
Among the top grant providers, ASU ranked 14th in National Science Foundation funding, ahead of institutions such as Caltech and Stanford. It also secured 10th place in NASA expenditures and 10th in funding from state and local governments.
ASU’s research spans numerous disciplines, achieving top rankings in several areas:
– **No. 1 in anthropology**
– **No. 1 in non-science and engineering**
– **No. 2 in education**
– **No. 2 in visual and performing arts**
– **No. 2 in business management and administration**
– **No. 4 in social sciences**
These rankings highlight ASU’s ability to attract leading faculty, including six Nobel laureates and over 200 American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellows. Currently, 3,695 students participate in paid research positions, gaining valuable experience that prepares them for future careers.
ASU’s commitment extends beyond academia, with researchers developing technologies that directly benefit communities. For instance, ASU researchers are utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance healthcare globally. Their AI-based tool, HLA-Inception, aids doctors in personalizing treatment plans and predicting responses to cancer therapies. Another AI innovation, Ark+, improves the accuracy of chest X-ray readings, making it accessible to hospitals worldwide, particularly in underserved areas.
In addition, ASU is addressing environmental challenges faced by fishing communities. Researchers are designing fishing gear that minimizes bycatch while supporting the livelihoods of fishers. Field tests demonstrated that nets equipped with green LED lights reduced unintended catches by 63%.
ASU’s outreach also includes initiatives aimed at improving local communities. The YouthMappers program, established in 2019, has produced open-access maps that assist in responding to both local and global challenges. In a recent project, students collaborated to develop maps that examine heat-related deaths in Mesa, Arizona, providing crucial data for ongoing research.
Overall, ASU’s growth and commitment to impactful research underscore its role not just as an academic institution but as a vital contributor to societal advancements. As Sally C. Morton stated, “Research is essential to the thriving future we envision and the goals we all share.”
