Iowa State researchers have reached new heights in research funding, bringing in a record amount for the third consecutive year.

According to Iowa State University’s News Service, from fiscal years 2022 to 2024, researchers at Iowa State have received external funding of $284.2 million, $301.3 million and $346.2 million for various projects.

The most recent funding total includes new record highs in both federal and non-federal support: $236.3 million in federal funding (surpassing the previous record of $206.9 million set in 2023) and $110 million in non-federal funding (exceeding the previous record of $94.5 million also set in 2023).

This marks the third consecutive year of record research funding.

In 2024, the total external funding for Iowa State increased to $544.6 million, which is over 2.7% higher than the prior year’s total.

The community’s commitment to providing an environment for both inspiration and innovation is seen through these ongoing records, the press release said. It also reflects that sponsors share this vision, allowing faculty to lead research and develop solutions for societal challenges.

The funding ranges in supporting areas such as research projects, academia, scholarships and facility developments. It includes awards and agreements from federal, state and local governments, along with contributions from individuals, corporations, nonprofits and other various sources.

External funding covers research operating expenses but does not address costs associated with the university’s educational mission, according to the press release.

Examples of Iowa State Projects in 2024:

• A national team led by Partha Sarkar will plan a center to research windstorms and their impact on infrastructure. This project has been supported for four years by the National Science Foundation. 
• The research of agrivoltaics, led by Ajay Nair, involves cultivating fruits and vegetables and raising bees. This project will be funded by the U.S. Department of Energy for four years.
• Lisa Schulte Moore is leading a project aimed at encouraging farmers to plant cover crops and perennial prairie grass, as the harvested results may be converted into renewable natural gas. Roeslein Alternative Energy is supporting the research with an award.
• Manimaran Govindarasu is establishing a new cybersecurity center at Iowa State, with hopes to safeguard wind, solar farms and microgrids from cyberattacks. This project is being funded with a two-year grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

For more information, visit the Iowa State University News Service website.