The University of South Florida ranks 25th among public universities for research spending – a metric used to chart the level of research activity at American institutions – according to a new report by the National Science Foundation (NSF). USF is up four spots on the list from the previous year.
For all universities, both public and private, USF is now 42nd nationally, an improvement from 46th last year. USF is second among all institutions in Florida.
The new rankings are based on data from 2016-17, a year in which USF increased its annual research expenditures by more than 10 percent.
“As one of Florida’s Preeminent Research universities, USF is recognized across the nation and around the world as a center of research, innovation and discovery where our students, faculty and staff are working hard to address crucial national and global issues,” said USF System President Judy Genshaft. “I am proud that our researchers continue to work at the highest levels.”
Ranking in the top 25 nationally reflects USF dramatic rise as a public research university during Genshaft’s tenure. Last year USF’s annual research expenditures were $558 million, more than triple the amount from when Genshaft arrived at USF in the early 2000s, the result of a continued commitment and additional investments to strengthen the university’s research enterprise.
Several benchmarks used to measure Preeminence among state universities in Florida involve research activity, and USF currently exceeds all of them.
“USF’s standing among national research universities is the result of the tremendous daily effort by faculty, students and our research partners in projects both large and small – tireless work being done in every corner of our campus,” said Paul R. Sanberg, USF senior vice president for research, innovation and knowledge enterprise. “This ranking reflects their commitment to making a positive difference in the health, well-being and prosperity of our community and the wider world.”
The latest NSF rankings were compiled by surveying nearly 650 research universities across the United States. Additional information about the data is available here.