The University of Arizona continues to push the boundaries of research and innovation, demonstrating its prowess through ambitious projects and groundbreaking achievements. From retrieving the largest asteroid sample ever brought to Earth to pioneering a vaccine for Valley fever, the university’s contributions are making a global impact. As fiscal year 2024 concluded on June 30, university officials estimate that research activity surpassed $1 billion, a figure soon to be verified by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
“Our faculty members tackle urgent global challenges, from energy and environmental issues to national security, human health and the societal impact of technological change,” stated University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella. These efforts include initiatives like the OSIRIS-REx mission and advancements in personalized medical treatments at the Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies. The university’s research not only enhances human knowledge but also equips students with practical experience and bolsters Arizona’s workforce.
Joining an elite group of research institutions such as Stanford, Duke, and Harvard, the University of Arizona’s research activities continue to distinguish it as a leader in the field. According to the NSF’s Higher Education Research and Development Survey, the university achieved $955 million in research activities during FY23, with projections indicating an even higher figure for FY24. This consistent performance keeps the university among the top 20 public research institutions in the United States and within the top 4% of over 900 universities and colleges for research and development.
The university has maintained its top position in astronomy and astrophysics since 1987 and boasts impressive rankings in other areas:
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No. 4:
High Hispanic enrollment
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No. 6:
NASA-funded activity
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No. 7:
Physical sciences
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No. 20:
Public universities overall
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No. 36:
All universities
“Research is the cornerstone of the University of Arizona’s standing as a world-class institution, and our latest rankings reaffirm this excellence,” said Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, senior vice president of research and innovation. Faculty, postdocs, students, and staff are at the forefront of addressing global challenges and forming transformative partnerships that benefit society.
Highlighting the university’s support for diverse research fields, Coco Tirambulo, an M.D./Ph.D. student, shared her perspective: “The University of Arizona offers a unique environment to pursue groundbreaking research across diverse fields, including my work on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias at the U of A Health Sciences Center for Innovation in Brain Science.” Her personal experiences fuel her dedication to improving precision medicine therapies, aiming to find transformative solutions for neurodegenerative diseases.
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