Arizona State University (ASU) has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing $1 billion in annual research funding for the first time. This accomplishment places ASU among the top 4% of research institutions in the United States, according to the latest National Science Foundation (NSF) Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey. This growth reflects ASU’s commitment to transforming research investments into tangible benefits for society, including advancements in healthcare, public safety, and technology.
ASU President Michael Crow emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “Surpassing $1 billion in research expenditures underscores our unwavering commitment to be a new gold standard of service to the community, our state and our nation.” The HERD survey indicates that ASU’s total research expenditures reached $1.003 billion for fiscal year 2024, representing an eightfold increase since Crow took office in 2002. This places ASU 37th overall among research institutions, ahead of notable universities such as Michigan State University and the University of Chicago, and 21st among public universities.
ASU’s Rankings and Recognition
In addition to its overall rankings, ASU was recognized as No. 5 among institutions without a medical school, outperforming the University of Colorado-Boulder and Princeton. The ASU John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering, which received preliminary accreditation recently, is set to welcome its inaugural medical school class in the summer of 2026.
ASU’s rise in research funding has been validated by several prestigious rankings. For the past 11 years, ASU has been recognized as No. 1 in innovation by U.S. News & World Report, and it has maintained the top position in global impact towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals according to Times Higher Education for six consecutive years. Furthermore, ASU joined the Association of American Universities in 2023, further solidifying its status among leading research institutions.
The HERD survey is an annual report that collects data on research expenditures from numerous institutions across the country. It provides a crucial indicator of the vitality of the American university research landscape, although it reflects data that is nearly a year and a half old. ASU’s funding sources include federal agencies, state and local grants, and private sector partnerships, often secured over multiple years.
Impact on the Community and Beyond
ASU’s diverse funding portfolio, highlighted by strong support from various stakeholders, demonstrates confidence in the university’s ability to deliver impactful results. As Sally C. Morton, executive vice president of ASU Knowledge Enterprise, stated, “Our rapid growth and achieving the $1 billion milestone reflects their confidence in our ability to deliver valuable results.”
Among the notable achievements, ASU ranks 14th in National Science Foundation funding, ahead of institutions like Caltech and Penn State. It also ranks 10th in NASA expenditures and state and local government funding. ASU excels in various academic disciplines, including ranking No. 1 in anthropology and non-science and engineering fields, and No. 2 in education and visual and performing arts.
ASU’s research efforts are translating into practical applications that benefit communities. For instance, researchers are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance healthcare systems globally. One innovative tool, HLA-Inception, decodes immune system responses and could lead to more personalized cancer treatments. Another AI platform, Ark+, assists in accurately reading chest X-rays, improving diagnostic precision.
Furthermore, ASU is addressing challenges faced by fishing communities by developing gear that protects endangered marine life while supporting local economies. Their work has resulted in fishing nets equipped with LED lights that reduce bycatch, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.
In the realm of urban planning and safety, ASU’s YouthMappers group has created comprehensive maps to improve pedestrian safety in Phoenix and Tempe. Their detailed datasets are poised to enhance urban mobility and driver awareness.
ASU’s commitment to tackling pressing national priorities is evident in its ongoing research initiatives. The university is exploring the intersection of food and health, focusing on nutrition as a preventive measure for diseases. Additionally, ASU is investigating the supply of critical minerals and the applications of quantum science in solving complex problems.
As ASU continues to evolve and adapt its research efforts, it remains focused on creating solutions that significantly impact communities and align with national interests. Morton remarked, “Research is essential to the thriving future we envision and the goals we all share.”
Through its innovative projects and dedication to high-impact science, ASU is positioned to shape the future of research and education, benefiting both local and global communities.
