By Shawn Vestal
In labs at Washington State University, researchers are pursuing novel treatments for cancer and brain disorders.
They are developing new varieties of wheat for a warming planet and working to bring healthier whole-grain foods to the market. They’re looking to protect the power grid as energy demands rise, seeking answers for sleep disorders, and pursuing new sources of sustainable fuel.
In study after study, WSU is harnessing science to advance human and animal health, foster public safety, and feed the world.
That enterprise grew significantly in fiscal year 2025, as annual research expenditures reached $461.9 million, an increase of 14.5% over 2024’s total of $403.4 million. The 2025 survey was submitted this week in the university’s report to the Higher Education Research and Development Survey, conducted annually by the National Science Foundation.
“This increase marks the fifth consecutive year of growth in research investments at WSU,” said Vice President for Research Kim Christen. “These latest HERD numbers highlight the scale and strength of our collective efforts across the WSU system to drive exciting, high-impact research.”
The annual HERD survey gathers information about universities’ sources of research funding and breaks them down by field. The NSF will compile the surveys into a national report with comparative information across institutions.
In 2024, WSU ranked 86th nationwide in total R&D expenditures.
That year’s total of $403.4 million in research funding represented an increase of 6.5% over the previous year and the first time WSU exceeded $400 million.
Source : wsu.edu