Highlights from fiscal 2012

University faculty and staff competed successfully for $749.1 million in sponsored research awards (see below). While the award total was down from the previous year, if American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds are excluded from both years, awards were actually 7.4 percent higher in fiscal 2012.

According to the National Science Foundation survey of R&D expenditure data for 2011 (the most current data available), the university retained its eighth-place ranking among public research universities. Research expenditures topped $847 million in 2011, up 8 percent from the high-water mark of $786 million set the previous year.

The Office for Technology Commercialization continued its robust performance and productivity in fiscal 2012. A record 12 startup companies were launched, topping the previous record set last year when nine startups were launched. Even though patents on Ziagen in various markets continue to expire, worldwide sales were unexpectedly strong in fiscal 2012 and generated $35 million in royalties. Royalty revenue from other technologies equaled $10.7 million, for a grand total of $45.7 million.