CU Boulder researchers have continued to achieve significant advancements in their public research mission, reporting notable outcomes for the fiscal year 2024-25. Key highlights include groundbreaking developments in quantum technology, enhanced comprehension of space weather, and efforts to improve environmental resilience.
In the face of federal funding uncertainties, growth in research funding at CU Boulder has slowed. Federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and NASA have implemented funding cuts and pauses. Despite these challenges, the university announced total sponsored research funding of $766.7 million, reflecting a 3.3% increase from the previous year.
“The research, scholarship, and creative work produced by CU Boulder faculty, researchers, and students directly impacts people”s lives,” stated Massimo Ruzzene, senior vice chancellor for research and innovation and dean of the institutes. “We are committed to advocating for the support needed to drive advances that strengthen our national security, enhance people”s health, ensure our nation”s continued leadership in scholarship and innovation, and spark economic development in Colorado and beyond.”
The majority of the research funding, approximately 69%, is derived from federal sources, including NASA, NSF, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), NIH, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Energy. The state of Colorado contributed $15 million, while nonprofits and international organizations provided $102 million, industry contributed $31 million, and other universities added $47 million to the funding pool.
Innovations in Quantum Technology
One of the standout initiatives is the establishment of the National Quantum Nanofab, supported by a $20 million investment from the NSF. This facility will allow researchers and industry specialists to design and construct innovative devices utilizing quantum energy principles. The project is led by Principal Investigator Scott Diddams from the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering.
Advancing Space Weather Research
A team at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) has secured $2 million for a concept study aimed at a NASA mission that will explore the interaction between Earth”s lower and upper atmospheres. This research is expected to deepen our understanding of the space weather systems that affect our planet. The team, led by LASP researcher Aimee Merkel, is one of three selected by NASA to create detailed proposals for the DYNAMIC (Dynamical Neutral Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling) mission.
Climate Change Adaptation Efforts
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at CU Boulder received a five-year, $1.4 million cooperative agreement from the U.S. Geological Survey to continue the North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center. Since its inception in 2018, this center has provided vital scientific resources to help communities in several states adapt to climate change.
Research funding at CU Boulder not only supports specific projects but also contributes to capital improvements, scientific equipment purchases, travel, and salaries for research personnel. The university is unable to allocate these funds to non-research-related expenses.
