
Despite the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Boise State University broke records for 2021 research and sponsored project awards and expenditures.
In 2021, Boise State received 425 research and sponsored project awards, totaling more than $65 million, an increase of 13% from last year’s award dollars and 58% in the past five years. Additionally, Boise State research expenditures reached new heights at $55.7 million, rising 16% from 2020 and 59% from five years ago.
“A record research year for Boise State is a win for all of Idaho,” said Dr. Marlene Tromp, Boise State president. “Discoveries at research universities like ours help address the big challenges we all face, from wildfire prevention to water usage to strengthening our economy. Research improves lives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and perseverance our research community has shown, and their positive contributions to our state and world.”
Research and sponsored project awards help provide Boise State students a comprehensive experience, with opportunities to grow and excel outside of the classroom. Students engaged in hands-on research projects obtain workforce-relevant professional experiences, as well as opportunities to work alongside and learn from award-winning faculty, to ask questions that might not arise in the classroom, and to become contributors to their fields of study. Simultaneously, interactions with students in the research process enhance a faculty member’s teaching and inspire cutting-edge coursework content.
“Our faculty, staff, and students are outstanding – and their activities in research and creative activity, beyond just the numbers, are yet more examples of their dedication to excellence,” said interim Vice President for Research and Economic Development, Nancy Glenn. “Conducting research and creative activities is critical to ensuring top-tier education and life-long experiences for Boise State students, and to bolstering the State of Idaho in every sector. These research and sponsored project investments by federal, state and local business institutions indicate confidence in Boise State’s talent and mission, and bear witness to our university’s dedication to the advancement of education, knowledge and the well-being of our community and state.”