Research conducted at the University of Cincinnati and with its research affiliates UC Health, Cincinnati Children’s, and the Cincinnati VA continues to grow and make a significant impact. In fiscal year 2024, research and development (R&D)
expenditures grew to $739.9 million, a $41.2 million increase over the previous year, setting a new high for UC and affiliates.
Federal funding remains a cornerstone, with UC conducting over $187 million in research this past fiscal year. Led by the College of Medicine with $127 million and the College of Arts & Sciences with $21 million in federal research, this total has
risen by $71 million over the past five years.
Patrick Limbach, PhD, UC’s vice president for research, says that crossing the $700 million mark in total research expenditures is a testament to the work that happens at UC and among its affiliates.
“Our consistent research growth cements our reputation as one of the nation’s premier research institutions,” he added. “The excellence and commitment of our faculty continue to drive discoveries that transform society and
prepare our students for a brighter future.”
Another highlight of FY24 was the increase in sponsored research awards with new highs achieved in federal research awards ($218.4 million) and research sponsored by non-profit organizations ($15.6 million). Driving these gains were increases in overall
awards in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences ($45.5 million), the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, with the School of Information Technology ($26.5 million), and the College of Pharmacy ($5.1 million). FY24
research awards remained steady in the College of Medicine ($210 million) and the College of Arts and Sciences ($24 million).
UC’s Next Lives Here strategic directions and the Research2030 plan continue to guide and amplify UC as a top Carnegie R1 institution. Strategic investments in research infrastructure – such as Digital Futures –
cutting-edge instrumentation, and talented individuals are yielding significant returns, driving impactful advancements and elevating our research capabilities. For example, researchers affiliated with Digital Futures were awarded over $29 million
in grants and contracts in FY24 – an increase of nearly $13 million since Digital Futures opened in late summer 2022. Dr. Michael Riley, Leader of the Digital Futures Advanced Human Performance and Neuromechanics Lab said, “the opportunity
to base this lab in Digital Futures has been transformative. We have been able to create new research capabilities and capacity, but more importantly being part of Digital Futures has enabled the lab to become a collaborative hub that connects researchers
across many UC departments and colleges and well beyond UC into the community with other researchers across the world.”
Research at UC and its affiliates continues to demonstrate a transformative impact on our region, with record-breaking growth in expenditures, federal funding, and new research awards in FY24. This success is not precipitous, rather it is a direct result
of the unwavering dedication and excellence of researchers, strategic investments, and visionary leadership.