State University System Research Expenditures Grow Nearly $1B Over Five Years

Florida Board of Governors receives updates during the March 25 meeting at the University of West Florida. From left to right: Governor Doug Broxson, Vice Chair Tim Cerio, Chair Alan Levine, Chancellor Ray Rodrigues.

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Today, the Florida Board of Governors (BOG), during the newly-formed Academic Excellence and Economic Prosperity Committee, received System updates on research expenditures and economic development metrics in accordance with SUS 30, the System’s 2030 Strategic Plan. The State University System of Florida’s (System) research expenditures have grown by nearly $1 billion over the last five years, reflecting increases in business and industry, federal, and nonprofit funding support.

“I am encouraged by the progress we are already seeing System-wide in research expenditures and industry partnerships,” said BOG Chair Alan Levine. “While we still have ample time to reach our 2030 goals, our universities’ commitment to going above and beyond is clear, and I applaud them for tackling crucial challenges and driving economic growth in communities and the state through innovative research.”

Innovative Research and Economic Development is a key priority area under the SUS 30 Strategic Plan. The System is ranked fifth in the nation for research expenditures, [1] exceeding $3.2 billion in 2024, which is only $500 million below the SUS 30 goal of $3.75 billion by 2030. Additionally, research supported by business and industry funding grew more than 12% System-wide.

“From agriculture and healthcare to emerging industries like AI, quantum, and space technologies, the research conducted by our institutions is constantly evolving to meet Florida’s workforce needs,” said System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “Through enhanced collaboration between our System and business and industry throughout the state, we continue to expand economic opportunities and solve problems that benefit Floridians’ lives.”

SUS 30 also sets a goal of five total institutions ranked in the top 100, three of which are in the top 50, and one of which is in the top 100. As of the latest available rankings, five universities are ranked in the top 100, two of which are in the top 50:

• University of Florida – #15
• University of South Florida – #47
• Florida State University – #55
• Florida International University – #71

• University of Central Florida – #79
  Highlights of recent research initiatives and developments at System institutions include:

• FIU secured $9.3 million in direct federal earmarks to advance key research initiatives across the university, including storm resilience, advanced manufacturing, environmental monitoring, health innovation, and national security. Read more here.

• USF increased its research activity by 15% to $531 million in fiscal year 2025, a majority of which was derived from highly competitive federal awards from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Department of Defense. Read more here.

• FSU was recently named one of the top 100 universities in the nation for securing U.S. utility patents, according to the latest rankings released by the National Academy of Inventors. Read more here.

• UF was visited by NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to discuss his vision for biomedical research and praise UF for its continued innovation. Read more here. UF also placed high rankings in NIH funding, with the UF College of Pharmacy ranked #3 nationally among pharmacy schools, UF College of Medicine at #20 among public institutions, UF College of Dentistry at #7 nationally, UF College of Public Health and Health Professions at #20 nationally, UF College of Nursing at #22, and UF College of Veterinary Medicine ranked at #14. Read more here.

• UCF unveiled a $4 million high-resolution transmission electron microscope, significantly expanding advanced materials research capabilities across the university and opening new opportunities for collaboration with industry partners throughout Florida. Read more here.

About the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors

The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors and a Board-appointed Chancellor who serves as the System’s chief executive. The System comprises 12 universities and more than 431,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Florida has ranked number one in higher education by U.S. News & World Report since the inception of the rankings in 2017, recognized for providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable education. For more information, visit flbog.edu or follow us on X , LinkedIn , Instagram , and Facebook .

[1] Source: Board of Governors staff analysis of National Sciences and Engineering Statistics/National Science Foundation Higher Education Research & Development survey annual data of public institutions, FY2024

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