UA breaks ground in research: $184M investment sets new benchmark

The University of Arkansas set a record of $184 million in research expenditures last year. School officials announced the details in a news release Thursday (April 4).

“The university’s commitment to research excellence — a pillar of our 150 Forward Strategic Plan — is evident in the growth of our research expenditures, but this is just the start,” UA Chancellor Charles Robinson said. “We are building on this momentum by making unprecedented investments in our research infrastructure.”

The previous record for research spending was $180.2 million in fiscal 2019. UA officials said $184 million places the university among the top tier of universities nationally. In addition to securing millions of dollars in grants, the university has invested more than $136 million of its own resources into applied research facilities since 2021.

“Applied research is ‘where the rubber meets the road’ for world-class research universities,” said Margaret Sova McCabe, UA’s vice chancellor for research and innovation. “This is where researchers tackle real-world problems and opportunities — often in partnership with industry — and develop solutions and innovations. Life-improving inventions we take for granted like X-rays, e-readers and Google all started at research universities. By targeting applied research, the U of A is aligning its research mission with the economy and society’s needs.”

UA officials said that three applied research capital projects — the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R), the Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Facility (MUSiC) and the Anthony Timberlands Center for Design and Materials Innovation — will revolutionize the university’s research infrastructure and the university’s positive impact on the state and beyond. Most of the $136 million invested supports the construction of these facilities. They are slated to open in the next 12-18 months.

To read the full news release, click here.