Research conducted at the University of Florida in agricultural sciences and natural resources conservation topped previous years’ spending totals in the latest figures reported to the National Science Foundation.

UF/IFAS researchers reported a total of $277.9 million* spent during their projects in the fiscal year that ended June 30, the highest total yet and a nearly 19% increase over the previous year.

“This figure represents not only UF/IFAS success in securing funding for the important research our scientists conduct,” said Robert Gilbert, UF/IFAS dean for research and director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, “but spending this funding reflects the real work being done. This work will result in innovations and discoveries that will benefit our communities in the future.”

The figure comes during a record-breaking year for UF, with research conducted university-wide topping $1 billion for the first time. UF/IFAS Research ranked second among UF departments, just behind the UF College of Medicine.

“UF/IFAS researchers continue to ask the questions and seek the answers for issues that concern not only Floridians, but address global needs such as food insecurity and agricultural innovation, as well,” said Scott Angle, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of UF/IFAS.

*The data is based on UF’s submission to the National Science Foundation’s annual Higher Education Research and Development Survey (HERD), which gathers comparable spending data from hundreds of universities around the country. The numbers reflect spending for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2022. nsf.gov/statistics/srvyherd

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