Montana State University announced a record $257 million in research expenditures for the fiscal year 2024, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. This milestone represents the sixth consecutive year of growth in research spending.
The number of faculty leading research projects rose by 6% to 445 in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, according to MSU’s news release.
As Montana’s largest public university, MSU highlighted that these funds support scientific discovery, rural outreach, and hands-on opportunities for students, including undergraduates.
“This continuing, positive trajectory of research expenditures and advancements in scholarship reflects the extraordinary talent and creativity of our faculty,” said Bob Mokwa, MSU’s executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “We’re equally proud of the many students who contribute to this success, advancing meaningful discoveries while gaining hands-on experience that enriches their education and sharpens their problem-solving skills.”
MSU estimated its research funds support 837 undergraduate students and 681 graduate students.
The increase in research expenditure aligns with MSU’s 2019 strategic plan, “Choosing Promise,” which aimed to exceed $200 million in research by 2022, achieving this target two years ahead of schedule.
“MSU’s research enterprise is larger than all public and private universities in the state combined,” said MSU.
Located in Bozeman, MSU received grants from the National Science Foundation, U.S. Air Force Research Lab, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other funders.
Future research topics include using living materials to reduce the building industry’s reliance on cement and concrete, Indigenous health knowledge to reduce chronic disease, and arsenic detoxification.
In 2024, awarded funds also increased by 25% from $166 million to $207 million.
The College of Agriculture reported the highest research expenditures at $54.1 million, followed by the College of Letters and Science at $32 million, and the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering at $25 million.
Key campus organizations include MilTech with $44.6 million, the Western Transportation Institute with $4.4 million, and the Center for American Indian Rural Health Equity with $3.7 million.
MSU stated that 90% of its research funds came from competitive federal grants, with the remaining 10% sourced from private entities and the state.
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