KU climbs in prestigious National Science Foundation rankings

LAWRENCE -- The University of Kansas continues to climb in the National Science Foundation rankings, which serve as a benchmark in measuring federal research funding.

In the most recent NSF report, which covers federal science and engineering research expenditures during fiscal year 2000, KU moved up two places to 51st among public universities and up five places to 78th among the more than 500 universities surveyed nationwide. Over the past two years, KU has jumped 15 spots among all universities in this important measure of federal research activity.

During fiscal year 2000, KU science and engineering research expenditures of federal funds reached approximately $69 million, an increase of about 21 percent from the $57 million in fiscal year 1999.

Chancellor Robert Hemenway said the higher rankings illustrate the level of research being conducted at KU.

"The increase in federally funded research has a positive impact on our state economy, and it leads to more research projects that help improve the quality of life in Kansas," Hemenway said. "Our continued climb in the NSF rankings indicates we are well on our way toward reaching our goal of being among the top 25 public research institutions in the nation."

The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that every $1 million in university research creates about 40 jobs throughout the state. Just last week, KU officials announced that the total research expenditures for fiscal year 2001 topped $224 million. Applying the Commerce Department formula, that translates into almost 9,000 jobs throughout the state.

Robert Barnhill, vice chancellor for research and president of KU's Center for Research, said KU's jump in the NSF rankings demonstrates that the university is committed to conducting cutting-edge research in areas that are at the top of the national agenda.

"The NSF rankings help define the prestige of a university," Barnhill said. "Prestige is a factor in determining which universities are asked to nominate faculty members to important national committees, and which universities are asked to try out new federal procedures. These rankings also affect the value of the degrees a university offers -- a degree from a prestigious university benefits graduates when they enter the job market."

Barnhill said KU very likely could be among the top 50 public research universities when the NSF compiles its rankings for fiscal year 2001.

Among the major grants that should help further boost KU's ranking for fiscal year 2001 is the Kansas Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network. The three-year, $5.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health awarded to the KU Medical Center will enable young researchers from seven public universities in Kansas to pursue their promising research on the Med Center campus.

Barnhill attributed the consistent trend of increased rankings to an open and inclusive discussion about research on the KU campus, as well as a concerted effort to encourage projects that promote collaboration with other institutions and industry.

"The university leadership and KUCR provide extremely smooth and helpful service to the faculty seeking external funding," Barnhill said. "This commitment to providing such service is among the best in the country."