PULLMAN, WA — Research activity at Washington State University continued to climb in fiscal year 2025, with total research expenditures reaching $461.9 million, marking a 14.5% increase over the previous year and the fifth consecutive year of growth.

According to the university’s latest report submitted to the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development Survey, more than half of the funding — about $224 million — came from federal grants. Other funding sources included state and local grants, institutional support, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses.

Federal agencies remained the largest contributors, led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, followed by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense. Life sciences accounted for the largest share of research spending, with additional investment in engineering and physical sciences.

University officials said the continued increase reflects broad, system-wide research efforts focused on agriculture, health, energy, and public safety, while supporting thousands of research and technical positions across the WSU system.