NDSU has reported an estimated $115.5 million in total research and development activities for fiscal year 2008, an increase of $9.3 million over fiscal year 2007. Research in agricultural sciences, physical sciences and engineering contributed to the growth. NDSU also is listed among the top 50 research universities in the country in one category. The National Science Foundation ranks NDSU 41st nationally, when compared to research and development expenditures among 537 research universities without a medical school. The ranking is based on NDSU’s research expenditures of $106.2 million for fiscal year 2007, the latest year for which national statistics are available for comparison.
In several National Science Foundation research subcategories for fiscal year 2007, NDSU also ranks in the top 100 in several areas, including agricultural sciences, social sciences, physical sciences and chemistry. When total research expenditures across all institutions are compared, NDSU ranks 128th out of 640 institutions included in the National Science Foundation report. The report on research and development expenditures offers a snapshot of how NDSU compares to research universities and colleges included in the report, which covers institutions from the U.S., Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
“The national comparison clearly shows that NDSU is a leader in several research categories. Our faculty, staff and students continue to excel in areas of innovative and technology driven research,” said NDSU President Joseph A. Chapman.
In the field of agricultural sciences, NDSU ranks 28th in total research expenditures among universities and colleges for fiscal year 2007.
When ranked by research expenditures in social sciences, NDSU ranked 42nd by the National Science Foundation among research universities in fiscal year 2007.
In the field of physical sciences, NDSU ranked 74th in total research expenditures at colleges and universities in fiscal year 2007. In the rankings, the category of physical sciences includes astronomy, chemistry, physics, materials sciences and other sciences not elsewhere classified.
In the field of chemistry, NDSU ranked 94th in total research expenditures among the top 100 universities and colleges in this category for fiscal year 2007.
In the field of life sciences, NDSU ranked 114th in research expenditures among the more than 600 universities and colleges in this category for fiscal year 2007.
“The sustained research activity at NDSU and its continued overall national ranking illustrate the exceptional work by faculty, staff and students in a very competitive research environment,” said Philip Boudjouk, vice president for research, creative activities and technology transfer at NDSU. “It also shows our strong capabilities in niche areas. Research continues to play a role in economic development, as well as offering students unique undergraduate and graduate research opportunities to help prepare them for the job market.”
A majority of NDSU research funding comes from multiÂyear federal research contracts and competitive grant awards. Additional research funding comes through awards, grants and contracts from state and business funding sources.
