Research and development expenditures have significantly increased for the fourth consecutive year at the University of Georgia.
The total represents a 31 percent increase in research and development expenditures since the 2013 fiscal year. For fiscal year 2017, R&D expenditures are at an all time high of $458 million.
Total R&D expenditures include grants and contracts principally from federal agencies but also from foundations, corporations, the state of Georgia, and other sources. According to the university, the expenditures go toward three main research themes: inquiring and innovating to improve human health; safeguarding and sustaining our world; and changing lives through the land-grant mission.
The increase in research spending comes at a time when overall federal funding of higher education research and development is declining. UGA has received a significant growth in external grants and contracts that have helped fund research. As a result, research activity has climbed 37 percent over the past three years.
Each dollar of external research funding is estimated to create two dollars in economic impact, contributing to the broader economic development focus of the university.