The National Science Foundation (NSF) has released updated rankings for university
research and development (R&D) expenditures, and Wichita State has held its position
as the top university in the country for industry-funded aeronautical R&D with a total
of $34 million.
The rankings are derived from the NSF’s Higher Education Research and Development
survey, compiled by its National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, which
includes information from all reporting universities for fiscal year 2017, the most
recent information available.
For total aerospace R&D expenditures, WSU again ranked No. 4 in the nation with $52
million, a $9 million increase from 2016. This includes both industry and federally
funded programs. Wichita State also ranked No. 5 in the U.S. for industry-funded engineering
R&D in all categories including biomedical, electrical, industrial and mechanical.
For total engineering R&D in all categories from all funding sources, Wichita State
reported more than $64 million, securing a spot as a top 50 engineering R&D institution
in the nation.
R&D is an important part of driving innovation within a university. University research
efforts can lead to increased industry collaboration, technology transfer and/or commercialization,
all of which increase university funding and drive the economy. WSU’s strategic vision
is to be internationally recognized as the model for applied learning and research.
“Our efforts to increase industry partnerships and make new connections in the defense
industry are driving the increase in R&D funding,” said John Tomblin, vice president
for research and technology transfer. “Over the next few years, we expect to see greater
increases, a direct result of the commitment of our faculty, staff and students to
go above and beyond to form and support these partnerships.”
The mission of Wichita State University is to be an essential educational, cultural and economic driver for Kansas and the
greater public good. Wichita State is a doctoral research university enrolling nearly
15,000 students and offering 59 undergraduate degree programs in more than 150 areas
of study in seven undergraduate colleges. The Graduate School offers 45 master's and
12 doctoral degrees that offer study in more than 100 areas. Wichita State's Innovation Campus is an interconnected community of partnership buildings, laboratories and mixed-use
areas where students, faculty, staff, entrepreneurs and businesses have access to
the university's vast resources and technology. For more information, follow us on
Twitter at www.twitter.com/wichitastate and Facebook at www.facebook.com/wichita.state.
