The University of California, Davis, received $961 million in external research awards for the fiscal year 2024-25. The funding, from various sources, supports a broad range of research to transform lives and communities as illustrated in the newly released annual Research Impact Report.

“For the last four years, UC Davis has averaged more than $1 billion in research funding, which demonstrates how we play a vital role in building our region’s economy and contribute to our nation’s global leadership in technology and innovation,” said Chancellor Gary S. May. “The world looks to UC Davis to find solutions to global challenges and create a healthier, more sustainable future.”

Research at the university provides insights and solutions that enhance lives through advancements in healthcare, food supply, energy solutions, education and more. For example, new research funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation will help researchers investigate how artificial intelligence and machine learning can help decision-making in complex and high-stakes scenarios like wildfire management. Another grant, from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, will explore how Type 1 diabetes contributes to neurocognitive difficulties in children.

Other grants support projects to improve regional and national security. One study, funded by the California Department of Public Health, will help plan for the strategic national stockpile and crisis response, especially during disasters.

The research also yields innovations that become the foundation for tomorrow’s industries, products and solutions to societal challenges. Last fiscal year, UC Davis experienced a surge in records of invention (ROIs). The university filed 187 ROIs in the fiscal year, up from 140 the prior year, a 34% increase.

UC Davis research generates well-paying jobs and drives economic growth in California and throughout the nation. A recent analysis found that the university supports $2 billion in California research-related economic activity and nearly 10,000 research-related jobs.

Research funding plays a critical role in in preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators and scientists while maintaining the United States’ leadership in technology and innovation. For example, a grant from the National Science Foundation will prepare leaders in bioindustrial engineering to tackle food security and sustainability. Another grant will help establish the California Center for Food Safety, a new hub offering growers support and education to meet food safety standards with sustainable operations.

Additional examples of how research funding is improving lives, our economy and our future can be found in our annual Research Impact Report.

Breakdown of research funding sources and recipients

Overall research funding is down $78 million from the previous year. Federal agencies remained the primary source, totaling $450 million, up by $9 million from the previous year. The second leading source of funding was the state of California at $209 million, down by $29 million from last year. Industry partners were the third-largest provider, totaling $90 million, a decrease of $5 million from the previous year. A detailed breakdown of the funding sources can be viewed in our Research Impact Report.

The values above reflect the obligated amounts as of the publishing date of this release. Since the change in the federal administration, the university has received dozens of notices from federal agencies related to specific grants or projects. The effect of these, in addition to other changes being proposed, are not yet fully realized and could impact operations and budgets over several years.

“Investments in research leveraging the expertise and resources at UC Davis yield tremendous advancements that ultimately improve our quality of life and future,” said Simon Atkinson, vice chancellor for research. “Funding by federal and state agencies are particularly vital to ensure these breakthroughs continue. Together they provide 69% percent of all funding.”

Among UC Davis schools and colleges, the top three recipients were the School of Medicine with $332 million, down $71 million from the previous year, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences with $252 million, up $82 million, and the College of Engineering with $99 million, down $18 million. Rounding out the top ten was the School of Veterinary Medicine with $56 million, the Office of Research with $55 million, the College of Letters and Science with $52 million, the College of Biological Sciences with $49 million, Continuing and Professional Education with $36 million, the School of Education with $11 million and the School of Nursing with $5 million.