In a newly published ranking, the University of South Florida was the nation’s fastest growing university for federal research funds, 2000-2007. The top ranking was reported in the annual Chronicle of Higher Education Almanac (Aug. 28, 2009).

Specifically, between 2000 and 2007, the Chronicle reports that USF grew 213 percent in "federal funds for academic research and development.” This was by far the highest percentage increase in the country.

“This means that during those seven years, no other American university grew its federal research at a faster rate than USF,” USF President Judy Genshaft said in her recent President’s Report to alumni. “Most importantly, no other group of faculty had a faster rate of earning new federal sponsorship for discovery and the creation of knowledge.”

It’s a big jump in a short time: In fiscal year 2000, USF’s expenditures of federal funds were $50.5 million. By FY 2007, those expenditures had risen to more than $158.4 million.

Federally-sponsored research for all universities is counted by the National Science Foundation, from which this report was derived.

President Genshaft will discuss USF's continued research success, including the contributions of USF Health, Sept. 9 at 3 p.m. in the Marshall Center Ballroom. You are welcome to attend or watch via a link at www.usf.edu