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ATLANTA — Georgia State University’s investments in research have reached the highest levels in university history, according to the latest National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey.
The annual HERD survey is the primary source of information on research and development expenditures at U.S. colleges and universities. The latest data, which reflect research expenditures for fiscal year 2023, show that Georgia State University invested $237.49 million, a jump of more than $21 million from the previous year.
The university was also ranked No. 123 out of the 664 participating schools nationwide, moving up two spots since the last report.
“These numbers show our university’s commitment to advancing knowledge and producing real-world impact by investing in our research community,” said Georgia State President M. Brian Blake. “We see research both as a gateway to understanding and as an important way for our students to learn the critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their life.”
In addition to reaching a new high in total research expenditures, the university ranked No. 1 in the state for expenditures in political science and government, as well as in sociology, demography, and population studies. Georgia State was also among the top two universities in the state for research expenditures in computer and information sciences, psychology, and social sciences.
Funding for research at Georgia State comes from multiple sources, including the federal government, state and local governments, businesses, nonprofits and the institution itself. In FY23, institution funds were the top funding source, followed by the federal government and state and local governments.
“Research is an upfront investment that drives innovation and progress,” said Donald Hamelberg, interim vice president for Research and Economic Development at Georgia State. “By investing in new ideas and tackling complex challenges, we generate breakthroughs that strengthen our intellectual community, foster partnerships, and create a lasting impact on Georgia and beyond.”
As expenditures support research itself, they also contribute to growing the state, regional and national economies. According to data from the University System of Georgia, each of its 26 institutions creates substantial economic impacts in terms of output, value added, labor income and employment. Georgia State University alone delivered an economic impact of more than $3.2 billion in metro Atlanta in FY23 and an employment impact of 21,306 jobs on and off campus.
To learn more about Georgia State research and its impact, visit research.gsu.edu.