Research@KU

KU Research Rises in National Rankings to 44th Among Major Public Universities

The University of Kansas rose four places in the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) most recent ranking of national, public, research universities. KU was 44th in federally funded science and engineering research expenditures in 2005, up from 48th in 2004. KU’s ranking in the NSF report has never been higher.

“This is a significant measure of the quality of our faculty,” said Chancellor Robert Hemenway. “Research is central to KU’s overall mission. A rise in the NSF rankings demonstrates a competitive spirit and a desire to explore that carries over into the classroom and benefits our students.”

Jim Roberts, vice provost for research, noted that federal science and engineering grants, funded by such agencies as NSF and the National Institutes of Health, are the most difficult to get. “KU has risen in the rankings by 11 places in 10 years,” he said. “A one-year increase is good, but it’s the long-term trend that matters. KU made steady progress during the past decade, relative to peer universities. It reflects sustained investment in facilities, faculty, and doctoral students.”

KU research expenditures were $111 million in 2005. KU passed North Carolina State, Oregon State, Utah State, and Florida State in the rankings, and was passed by no other institution. KU now ranks fifth among the public Big 12 universities, following Colorado, Texas, Texas A&M, and the statewide Nebraska system.