Michigan State University is closer than ever to a major milestone: $1 billion in annual research expenditures.

In fiscal year 2025, MSU reported $992,278,000 in research spending, according to data submitted to the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development Survey. The total marks a 6.5% increase over 2024 and sets a new university record.

The growth moves MSU within striking distance of its goal to reach $1 billion in research expenditures by 2030.

A chart detailing growth of MSU's research expenditures. — MSU is on track to reach its goal of $1 billion in research expenditures by 2030.

“Our research expenditures reflect the outstanding work of MSU’s faculty, staff and students,” said Doug Gage, vice president for Research and Innovation. “Together, they make MSU an exceptional hub for scientific and scholarly inquiry that advances knowledge and benefits our communities now and into the future.”

MSU’s research expenditures cover a wide range of disciplines and fields of study. From investigations leading to cleaner water and more nutritious food on our tables, to sustainable energy fueling our homes and treatments and cures for illnesses, MSU research has provided critical insights into our health, communities, planet and beyond.

Beyond the nearly billion-dollar figure is something much bigger: a stronger research enterprise and record innovation — ultimately improving the lives of people in Michigan and across the world.

Strengthened research enterprise

MSU’s research growth is the result of long-term planning and strategic investment. Over the past several years, the university has invested in:

Modernized facilities and advanced equipment
Recruitment of top faculty in high-priority research areas
The Global Impact Initiative, which has added more than 100 faculty members and produced strong returns on investment
Cross-campus collaboration that brings together scientists, engineers, social scientists, educators, communicators, business experts and legal scholars

“The 2025 expenditures are a product of our best federal award funding year ever and reflect MSU’s sustained investment in growing our research enterprise,” Gage said.

The balanced growth across disciplines underscores MSU’s commitment to interdisciplinary research. Many of today’s most pressing challenges, from climate resilience to public health to food security, require expertise from multiple fields working together.

From discovery to real-world impact

MSU’s collaborative model is visible across campus:

The MSU Water Alliance and the School of Packaging tackle water and sustainability challenges.
The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams drives discoveries in medicine, materials science, workforce development and national security.
Cancer research continues to expand, strengthened by collaboration between MSU and Henry Ford Health to improve care and to reduce health disparities.
Community-engaged scholars in the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health partner directly with communities to improve health and well-being.
Agricultural researchers lead innovation in crop development, sustainability and food safety that directly benefits Michigan farmers.

The MSU Research Foundation plays a key role in translating research into economic development. Working alongside the Office of Research and Innovation and the MSU Innovation Center, the foundation helps move discoveries from the lab to the marketplace by connecting researchers with capital, industry and talent.

Record innovation activity

In 2025, the MSU Innovation Center recorded record-high activity, including:

Pie chart titled “FY2025 Federal Expenditures by Agency (In Thousands)” showing Department of Energy as the largest share at $149,160, followed by Health and Human Services at $138,699. Other categories include National Science Foundation at $67,167, USDA at $49,755, Others at $46,744, Department of Defense at $22,994, and NASA at $4,844. — A breakdown of funding by agency in thousands. The two largest sources were the Department of Energy, or DOE, and Health and Human Services or HHS.

198 invention disclosures from faculty and students
63 newly issued patents
Record growth in startup companies based on faculty innovations
More than $22 million in corporate-supported research and student initiatives

These numbers represent tangible outcomes: new products, therapies and companies that grow Michigan’s economy and improve lives.

With continued investment, strategic hiring and growing partnerships across industries and communities, MSU is positioned for sustained success.

As the university approaches its $1 billion milestone, the momentum behind Spartan research continues to build, fueling discovery, innovation, and real-world impact for Michigan and beyond.

Learn more about research expenditures at MSU by visiting the Office of Research and Innovation’s Facts and Figures page.

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