Research Metrics

Northwestern Research by the Numbers

Sponsored Funding and R&D Spending

For three years running, the University has exceeded the $1 billion mark in sponsored award funding, beginning in FY2023 and continuing through the most recently completed fiscal year, FY2025. Faculty members from across the institution attract support for bold, often interdisciplinary research projects that address important societal challenges.

Much of the growth aligns with Northwestern’s strategic priorities which focus on:

• advancing the biosciences
• leading in decarbonization and sustainability
• harnessing the power of data science and AI
• fostering interdisciplinary innovation in the social sciences and global studies
• enhancing the creative and performing arts.

*FY 2019-2024 NSF higher education research and development (HERD) survey.

Research and development expenditures have also exceeded the $1 billion mark for three years running. For more information about Northwestern's participation in the HERD Survey, please visit Accounting Services for Research and Sponsored Programs (ASRSP).