Michigan Tech Hosts Fastest-Growing Research Program in the State

Michigan Tech has the fastest-growing research program among the state's four research universities, according to the latest figures compiled by the National Science Foundation.

Overall research funding at the university increased 17.9 percent from 2002-03 to 2003-04, when research dollars shot up from $30.3 million to $35.7 million. Michigan Tech is ranked 179th in total research dollars among the approximately 600 universities in the U.S. tallied by NSF and 129th among all public universities.

During the same time period, Wayne State University's research funding was up 5.0 percent, with Michigan State University's program growing 1.3 percent. Research funding at the University of Michigan fell 1.4 percent.

"This is a real tribute to the faculty, staff and students who are doing an outstanding job expanding research," said David Reed, vice president for research and provost. "It also reveals how the university has been aligning itself to realize a key element of our strategic plan: to establish world-class research, scholarship and innovation."

Michigan Tech's research program has continued to grow, up to $41.2 million in 2004-05.

In addition, at 10.5 percent, Michigan Tech is 18th in nation based on the proportion of research funded by industry.

"This underscores Tech's traditional relationship with the private sector," Reed said. "Over 100 years ago, the legislative act that created Michigan Tech defined our mission as providing service to industry. These numbers confirm that we are maintaining that trust while promoting economic competitiveness, a goal President Bush outlined in his State of the Union Address."

Michigan Tech is recognized by the Princeton Review as a best value for undergraduate education and provides numerous opportunities for students to conduct research.

The National Science Foundation statistical tables are available at http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/nsf06323/tables.htm#rd1 .

Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.