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.

R&D is an important part of driving innovation within a university.

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.”