In labs at Washington State University, researchers are pursuing novel treatments for cancer and brain disorders.
They are developing new varieties of wheat for a warming planet and working to bring healthier whole-grain foods to the market. They're looking to protect the power grid as energy demands rise, seeking answers for sleep disorders, and pursuing new sources of sustainable fuel.
In study after study, WSU is harnessing science to advance human and animal health, foster public safety, and feed the world.
That enterprise grew significantly in fiscal year 2025, as annual research expenditures reached $461.9 million, an increase of 14.5% over 2024's total of $403.4 million. The 2025 survey was submitted this week in the university's report to the Higher Education Research and Development Survey, conducted annually by the National Science Foundation.
"This increase marks the fifth consecutive year of growth in research investments at WSU," said Vice President for Research Kim Christen. "These latest HERD numbers highlight the scale and strength of our collective efforts across the WSU system to drive exciting, high-impact research."
The annual HERD survey gathers information about universities' sources of research funding and breaks them down by field. The NSF will compile the surveys into a national report with comparative information across institutions.
These latest HERD numbers highlight the scale and strength of our collective efforts across the WSU system to drive exciting, high-impact research.
Kim Christen, vice president for research
Washington State University
In 2024, WSU ranked 86th nationwide in total R&D expenditures.
That year's total of $403.4 million in research funding represented an increase of 6.5% over the previous year and the first time WSU exceeded $400 million.
More than half of the 2025 research expenditures - $224 million - came from federal grants. WSU's research was also funded by institutional spending ($90.5 million), state and local grants ($119.7 million), nonprofits ($12.4 million) and businesses ($12.8 million). Institutional expenditures underscore WSU's strong internal commitment to research, supporting innovation, infrastructure, and its role as a leading public research university.
WSU's continued increase in research was built on progress in fields that reflect the land-grant mission to harness science and knowledge for the public good.
The survey demonstrates that the university continues to be a national leader in agricultural research, for example. The U.S. Department of Agriculture represents the largest funder of WSU research, at $73.7 million. In 2024, WSU received the most USDA funding of any research institution in the country for the second straight year.
In 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was the next-largest source of federal grant funding, at $66.5 million, followed by the Department of Energy ($26 million) and Department of Defense ($12.2 million).
Among research disciplines, life sciences, including agriculture, biology and health sciences, made up the largest category of research expenditures at WSU, at $251.9 million. Engineering research accounted for $66.6 million, and research into the physical sciences added up to $39 million.
WSU's research enterprises employed 4,338 people, according to the report - 1,228 researchers and 3,110 technicians and support staff.
"WSU research is rooted in real-world impact," said Christen. "From advancing agricultural practices to improving public health, our researchers are developing solutions that directly benefit communities across Washington and around the world. The continued growth in research activity reflects the depth, relevance, and responsiveness of our work in addressing critical local and global challenges."
