State of Research 2025: UC's Research Enterprise Continues to Climb

News

UC researchers continue to blaze new trails in science, medicine, business, education, engineering and the arts — literally transforming the way we live, work and learn.

Findings is the Office of Research’s newsletter, which began in October 2017. It delivers monthly updates to faculty, staff, students, and community partners about impactful research, initiatives, partnerships, events, and opportunities at the University of Cincinnati. To view current and previous issues of the newsletter, go to the Findings page.

The University of Cincinnati research enterprise continued its upward climb in fiscal year 2025, demonstrating resilience and growth amid a tough year for higher education and research, with sponsored awards increasing to $346 million, up 6.6% over FY2024.

Aligned with UC's commitment to serving the public good, one area of notable growth has been industry-sponsored and federally sponsored clinical trials. UC received $88 million in industry-sponsored awards and $33 million in federally sponsored awards, up 30% and 38% over FY2024, respectively. Clinical research plays a vital role in translating discoveries into real-world impact, bringing lifesaving treatments and medications to maket while improving health outcomes locally and nationallly.

Research expenditures, which includes UC's affiliates, including UC Health, Cincinnati Children's, the Cincinnati VA, and the University of Cincinnati Research Institue, were $738 million, nearly the same as the previous year. This stability is showcased in the NSF's Higher Education Research Development survey for 2023-24, where UC remained Top 50 Overall.

"Resaerch at UC and its affiliates continues to demonstrate growth and impact amid a challenging national landscape for higher education and research," interim Vice President for Research Frank Gerner says. "We nearly remained even for expenditures, and a 6.6% increase in sponsored awards is worth celebration."

Also worth celebrating is a record year for federal funding in the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS), $50.1 million in FY2025.

"What that money allows us to do is hire graduate students to do research,” says Interim Provost John Weidner, former dean of CEAS. “Our faculty, staff, and students are committed to turning research investment into meaningful benefits for people and communities, from health and infrastructure to advancing technology and discovery."

Also leading the charge in federal research funding included the College of Medicine ($246 million), the College of Arts and Sciences ($17 million), and the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services ($18 million).

The University of Cincinnati extends its sincere gratitude to the research community—faculty, staff, students, and partners—whose dedication and perseverance made continued progress possible in FY25. Special thanks are also due to Office of Research support teams and University leadership, whose guidance and service remain critical to navigating a complex and evolving research landscape.