Research matters
Today's research is tomorrow's transformation.
University-based research is the invisible hand that powers America's progress. It unlocks discoveries that impact the lives of all Americans in nearly every area of human endeavor, driving our national economy and strengthening America's position as a global leader.
How it works
1
Investments drive the next generation of research
Beginning in World War II, government and private investment in university research has yielded massive returns for America in human health and innovations that have changed the course of human history.
2
Universities compete to generate new knowledge
Research universities compete vigorously with one another, and often also partner together, for funds awarded by government and private foundations to test concepts, advance new ideas and generate new knowledge — the engine of American innovation.
3
Shared knowledge drives economic growth
University-generated knowledge and discoveries are shared with the marketplace, a conversion that fuels the creation of new companies and jobs. Funding from the NIH generated more than $94 billion in new economic activity nationwide in FY 24.
What ASU has been doing
Public research universities exist to serve the public interest — responsive to its needs and tackling the largest challenges and most significant opportunities of our time.
What's at stake for America
Being a global leader is not an entitlement; it requires commitment and hard work. Competition from allies and adversaries has never been stronger, and throughout our history America's universities have contributed mightily to technology and innovations that make the United States the envy of the world.
There's not one aspect of the iPhone 16 which has not been deeply empowered and enabled by, at one point or another, some academic research activity.
Michael Crow President, Arizona State University
How you can take action
Conducting research of public value every day
Learn about the latest research coming out of ASU labs that aims to improve the way we live.
ASU helps rural communities tackle local water problems
ASU-led workshops for residents in rural Arizona are teaching tools and strategies for adapting to water challenges while building long-term…
Event examines importance of key slice of research funding, what NIH’s indirect cost cap might mean
On Feb. 7, the National Institutes of Health announced a 15% cap on indirect cost rates on university research, a policy change that sent a strong…
Why sharks and other wide-ranging ocean species need more than protected areas
Marine protected areas are meant to support vulnerable ocean life, but many species are too mobile to gain meaningful benefit, new research shows.
ASU to help target how cancer evades treatment
Researchers at ASU, alongside other top research institutions, aim to better manage hard-to-treat cancers by helping doctors adapt treatments to how…
ASU researchers helping children — and their parents — sleep better at night
For years, Arizona State University researchers have been traveling to families’ homes to study factors that affect stress and sleep. The real-word…
Blazing new ground in forest fire prevention
The Wildfire Awareness and Risk Management, or WARM, system employs a sensor suite that can detect fires more quickly, efficiently and precisely in…