CU tallies $878.3 million in sponsored research funding
University of Colorado faculty research merited $878.3 million in research awards during the 2014-15 fiscal year, based on preliminary figures, representing a near-record year for the four-campus system.
The total reflects an increase of 1.7 percent over the previous year’s $863.3 million. This year’s amount is topped by just one other in CU history, FY2010, when one-time federal stimulus dollars helped fuel research awards of $884.1 million.
Most sponsored research funding comes from federal agencies. Systemwide in 2014-15, CU earned $568.7 million in federal awards; $309.7 million in non-federal awards.
Three CU campuses saw overall research award increases this year. Final figures are expected later this summer.
Following are the totals in sponsored research funding at CU campuses:
University of Colorado Boulder: $425.6 million
University of Colorado Colorado Springs: $10.3 million
University of Colorado Denver: $22.2 million
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus: $420.3 million
Sponsored research funding from federal, state and local entities targets specific projects to advance research in laboratories and in the field. Research funding also helps pay for research-related capital improvements, scientific equipment, travel and salaries for research and support staff and student assistantships. CU cannot divert these dollars to fund non-research-related expenses such as utilities, compensation, student financial aid or grounds maintenance.
Much sponsored research funding is directed to departments and researchers with unique expertise, such as biotechnology and aerospace, which stimulates industry.