U-M research expenditures another all-time high

ANN ARBOR---The University of Michigan’s research expenditures increased by 7.8 percent in 1995-96, reaching another record total of $441,294,540.

"This reflects the rich diversity of research activities and capabilities that have earned the U-M the distinction of the nation’s leading public research university," said Frederick C. Neidhardt, acting vice president for research, in his annual report to the U-M Regents.

"Increases in annual expenditures in support of research demonstrate the continued leadership of the University in the discovery of new knowledge and in the application of leading-edge technologies for the benefit of society."

Neidhardt noted that the University’s total research expenditures have increased by 107.2 percent over the past decade, from $213 million in 1986-87 to $441 million in 1995-96. Real purchasing power of these expenditures (discounted for inflation) has also increased by 45.5 percent in constant (fiscal year 1987) dollars.

Of the U-M’s 1995-96 total research expenditures, $283,722,667 came from federal agencies and $157,571,873 from non- federal sources.

Research support from federal agencies accounted for 64.3 percent of the U-M total. Major funding agencies included the Department of Health and Human Services, $162,998,965; National Science Foundation, $38,088,324; Department of Defense, $30,663,299; NASA, $11,971,231; and the Department of Energy, $9,358,693.

Research support from non-federal sources accounted for 24.7 percent of the U-M total and included $35,067,701 from industry and $32,842,024 from others, including voluntary contributions. U-M funds accounted for 11.1 percent of the University’s total research expenditures.

Neidhardt noted that, in the past 10 years, research expenditures from federal sources increased by 108.8 percent, from $135.9 million in 1986-87 to $283.7 million in 1995-96. "The modest 2.1 percent increase in research expenditures from federal sources in 1995-96 represents a slowing in the momentum of federal funding for research at the University."

During the same period, he added, "research expenditures from non-federal sources have increased by 152.5 percent, recording a significant increase of 31.9 percent in the past fiscal year. These increases in expenditures from non-federal sources helped to offset the slower rate of increase in federal research funds."

Contact: Wono Lee
Phone: (313) 764-7260
E-mail: wonol@umich.edu