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 data from the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey. This dramatic increase reflects ASU’s commitment to transforming research investments into tangible benefits for society, including advancements in health care, community safety, and technology.
ASU’s total research expenditures reached $1.003 billion for the fiscal year 2024, representing an eightfold increase since Michael Crow became president in 2002. The university now ranks 37th overall among U.S. research institutions, surpassing notable universities such as Michigan State University, Purdue University, and the University of Chicago. Among public universities, ASU stands at 21st, ahead of institutions like Indiana University and Rutgers University. Notably, ASU ranks 5th among universities without a medical school, ahead of the University of Colorado-Boulder, Purdue, and Princeton.
Innovative Research and Community Impact
The university’s growth in research funding is underscored by its innovative initiatives. ASU’s John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering recently received preliminary accreditation, with its first medical class set to begin in the summer of 2026. This development complements ASU’s impressive rankings; it has been recognized as the number one institution for innovation for the past 11 years by U.S. News & World Report and has led in global impact towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals for six consecutive years, according to Times Higher Education.
Research expenditure data from the HERD survey serves as a crucial indicator of the vitality of the American university research landscape. Despite the survey’s lagging nature—representing data from nearly a year and a half ago—it highlights ASU’s considerable funding sources, including federal agencies, private organizations, and local governments. “ASU has a diverse funding portfolio, with the support from various stakeholders interested in bringing ASU innovation to their communities,” said Sally C. Morton, executive vice president of ASU Knowledge Enterprise.
In terms of federal funding, ASU ranks 14th in National Science Foundation support, outpacing institutions such as Caltech and Georgia Tech, and 10th in both NASA expenditures and funding from state and local governments. ASU’s research excels across disciplines, achieving top rankings in areas such as anthropology, education, and business management.
Real-World Applications of Research
ASU’s research efforts extend beyond academia, directly benefiting local communities and industries. For instance, researchers are leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance health care systems globally. An innovative tool, HLA-Inception, is being developed to analyze how individuals’ immune systems respond to various threats, potentially improving personalized cancer therapies. Similarly, the AI tool Ark+ enhances the accuracy of chest X-ray interpretations, trained on over 700,000 medical images.
Moreover, ASU’s research has made strides in improving dementia care. Trials have demonstrated that lighting mimicking natural daylight significantly enhances sleep quality for older adults, leading to a more serene living environment. This initiative has culminated in the launch of a startup focused on developing an AI-powered lighting system tailored to individual needs.
ASU researchers are also addressing the challenges faced by fishing communities through the creation of innovative gear designed to protect endangered species while supporting local economies. Field tests have shown that nets equipped with LED lights can reduce bycatch significantly, thus benefiting both wildlife and fishers.
In addition to these advancements, ASU’s YouthMappers group has utilized geographic data to assist local communities by creating open-access maps that facilitate efficient responses to pressing social issues. Their projects include analyzing factors contributing to heat-related deaths in Mesa, Arizona, and enhancing pedestrian safety in Phoenix.
The university is also focused on advancing space communication technology, particularly through a project funded by DARPA to develop a chip named COCHON. This chip aims to improve laser-based communications, which are essential for national defense and future satellite initiatives.
As ASU continues to align its research with national priorities, the focus on artificial intelligence, nutrition, and quantum science highlights its commitment to addressing contemporary challenges. “Research is essential to the thriving future we envision and the goals we all share,” Morton stated. “Guided by our charter, ASU will continue to create solutions that touch people’s everyday lives.”
This remarkable growth in research funding not only enhances ASU’s status on a national scale but also reflects its dedication to fostering innovation that benefits communities across the United States.
