The University of Florida has once again proven its dominance in agricultural sciences and natural resources research, securing the top spot in the nation for the sixth year in a row.
According to the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey, UF invested over $261.9 million in this crucial research area during fiscal year 2023. This impressive figure highlights UF’s commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation in agriculture, a field vital to Florida’s economy and beyond.
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“Research and development generate significant returns on investment that benefit our stakeholders in Florida, nationally and globally,” said Rob Gilbert, UF/IFAS dean for research. “We are proud of our research enterprise and how diligently our faculty and staff work to meet the needs of our stakeholders.”
UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) plays a pivotal role in this research, with nearly 600 faculty members conducting cutting-edge research in areas like animal sciences, horticulture, and food sciences. Their work, supported by various funding sources, provides invaluable knowledge and innovation to the agricultural industry.
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“The state of Florida is fortunate to have the scientists of UF/IFAS, whose expertise in hundreds of commodities supports a $300 billion agricultural industry,” said David Norton, UF’s vice president for research. “It is clear from these numbers that funding agencies place high value on the work being conducted by our researchers, which benefits agriculture not just here in Florida, but around the country.”
The annual Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey provides a comprehensive look at research spending across the United States. The survey tracks expenditures from over 900 colleges and universities that invested at least $150,000 in research and development during the fiscal year.
“Taken as a whole, the survey’s figures serve as a testament to the country’s investment in expanding knowledge and economic growth,” said Megan Winslow, Public Relations Specialist at UF/IFAS.
With over $1.25 billion in total research expenditures in fiscal year 2023, UF ranked 15th among public universities and 25th overall. The university’s continued investment in agricultural research demonstrates its dedication to addressing critical challenges and advancing knowledge in this vital field.
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