Arizona State University (ASU) has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing $1 billion in annual research funding for the first time. This accomplishment positions ASU among the top 4% of research institutions in the United States, as highlighted by the latest National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey. The announcement underscores ASU’s commitment to translating research investments into tangible benefits for society, including advancements in health care, community safety, and technology.
ASU President Michael Crow expressed pride in the university’s achievements, 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.” For the fiscal year 2024, ASU’s total research expenditures reached $1.003 billion, marking an eightfold increase since Crow took office in 2002. The university ranks 37th overall among research institutions and 21st among public universities in the United States, surpassing notable institutions such as Michigan State University and the University of Chicago.
ASU’s Rising Research Profile
The HERD survey also highlights ASU’s impressive performance among institutions without a medical school, ranking 5th in the nation. The recognition comes as ASU prepares to launch its John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering, which recently received preliminary accreditation. The inaugural class is set to begin studies in summer 2026.
ASU has consistently been recognized for its innovative research, claiming the top spot in innovation rankings by U.S. News & World Report for the past 11 years. Additionally, it has been recognized for six consecutive years as the leading U.S. institution for global impact towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals by Times Higher Education. In 2023, ASU’s research accomplishments earned it an invitation into the prestigious Association of American Universities, further solidifying its reputation as a leading research institution.
The HERD survey, conducted annually, gathers research expenditure data from a wide range of institutions across the country. Though the survey reflects data from nearly a year and a half ago, it remains a critical tool for assessing the vitality of the university research landscape in the U.S.
Diverse Funding Sources Fuel Growth
ASU’s executive vice president of Knowledge Enterprise, Sally C. Morton, emphasized the diverse funding portfolio that supports the university’s research initiatives. “ASU has a diverse funding portfolio, with support from federal agencies, industry partners, local governments, and philanthropists who all have a vital interest in bringing ASU innovation to their communities,” Morton stated.
Among leading grant providers, ASU ranks 14th in funding from the National Science Foundation, 10th in NASA expenditures, and also 10th in funding from state and local governments. These rankings illustrate ASU’s comprehensive approach to securing financial support for a wide range of academic disciplines.
The university has achieved top 10 rankings in numerous fields, including being 1st in anthropology and non-science disciplines, 2nd in education and visual arts, and 4th in social sciences. Such achievements reflect ASU’s ability to attract leading faculty, including six Nobel laureates and over 300 Fulbright U.S. Scholars.
ASU’s commitment to engaging students in research is evident, with 3,695 students holding paid research positions. This hands-on experience equips them with valuable skills and fosters a new generation of innovators.
ASU’s research initiatives have led to numerous advancements benefiting communities both locally and nationally. For instance, ASU researchers are utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance health care, developing tools that assist doctors in diagnosing and treating patients more effectively. One such tool, HLA-Inception, analyzes immune system responses to personalize cancer treatments, while another AI application, Ark+, improves the accuracy of chest X-ray interpretations.
In addition to health care advancements, ASU is addressing environmental challenges faced by fishing communities. A research team is creating sustainable fishing equipment designed to protect endangered species while supporting the livelihoods of local fishers. Field tests in Mexico and North Carolina have shown promising results, with modifications to traditional fishing nets significantly reducing bycatch.
ASU students are also actively involved in community-focused projects. The YouthMappers group has developed accessible maps to aid in local and global challenges, including heat-related mortality in Arizona and pedestrian safety in urban settings. Their efforts have provided critical data for enhancing public safety and urban planning.
As ASU continues to expand its research horizons, the university is aligning its initiatives with national priorities. This includes exploring the potential of artificial intelligence, nutrition as a preventive measure for health issues, and the importance of critical minerals for industry sustainability.
Morton summarized the university’s ongoing mission, stating, “ASU researchers continually adapt their work to align with what matters most to our communities and our nation.” With this focus, ASU aims to address pressing challenges while fostering innovation that enhances everyday lives.
