TAMPA, Fla. (Dec. 10, 2024) – Research funding at the University of South Florida hit a record-breaking $738 million in fiscal year 2024 – up nearly 7% over the previous year and an impressive increase of 35% since 2022. The milestone comes during USF’s first full fiscal year as a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and helps demonstrate its impact as one of the nation’s most research-intensive institutions.
“The world-class researchers at the University of South Florida are transforming lives and creating a better future for our society through their scientific discoveries, medical breakthroughs, development of new technologies and other innovations,” USF President Rhea Law said. “By continuing to grow our research enterprise, USF can provide more evidence-based solutions to complex challenges and make an even greater impact on our communities.”
The new record, which includes direct support organizations and affiliates, brings the university closer to reaching its goal of securing $1 billion in annual research funding by 2030.
Among the key takeaways:
- Of the $738 million research enterprise, $429 million (58%) comes from federal sources, such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Defense.
- Private partnerships make up $242 million (33%) private partnerships and $67 million (9%) comes from state and local agencies.
- USF’s core research in medicine increased by $53.4 million.
- A total of 100 researchers received more than $1 million in funding, an increase of 20% from the previous year.
“Our faculty, staff and students are deeply committed to addressing complex problems, driving innovation and making significant contributions to society," said Prasant Mohapatra, provost and executive vice president. "This achievement is a significant step forward in our shared vision to enhance our position as one of the America’s leading research universities and achieve our ambitious goal of reaching $1 billion in research funding."
Researchers include Jose Castillo, professor in the College of Education and co-director of the Institute for School-Community Partnerships, secured $24 million in grants to advance academic achievement, social development and the overall well-being of students throughout Florida. The grants support several projects, including enhancing mental health services, comprehensive training on literacy instruction and improving outcomes for students with disabilities by providing them with assistive technologies and increased access to effective instruction and intervention.
Jennifer O’Brien, associate professor of psychology, was awarded $15 million in funding to investigate dementia prevention and detection. To date, O’Brien is leading the largest study of its kind – with more than 7,400 participants – to examine whether computerized brain exercises can reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
“Research suggests that delaying the onset of dementia by a single year would result in millions of fewer cases over the next 30 years,” O’Brien said. “Volunteers participating in this study are contributing to work that will possibly prevent dementia and have the potential to positively impact our lives and the lives of future generations.” Learn more about the Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training (PACT) study.
About the University of South Florida
The University of South Florida, a high-impact research university dedicated to student success and committed to community engagement, generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. Across campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health, USF serves approximately 50,000 students who represent nearly 150 different countries. U.S. News & World Report has ranked USF as one of the nation’s top 50 public universities for six consecutive years and, for the second straight year, as the best value university in Florida. In 2023, USF became the first public university in Florida in nearly 40 years to be invited to join the Association of American Universities, a group of the leading 3% of universities in the United States and Canada. With an all-time high of $692 million in research funding in 2023 and a ranking as a top 15 public university for producing new U.S. patents, USF is a leader in solving global problems and improving lives. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Learn more atâ?¯ www.usf.edu.