Research funding for WVU hits all-time high at $195 million this past year

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing uncertainties in the higher education world, West Virginia University received $195 million in external funding for research and other sponsored programs this past fiscal year.

The amount shatters last year’s record of $181 million.

Vice President for Research Fred King attributes the record funding to the resiliency and ingenuity of University faculty and researchers.

“The dedication and work ethic of our faculty and staff shined through this pandemic,” King said. “Even though labs closed temporarily until extra safety precautions could be put into place, our commitment to research never wavered. If anything, it grew stronger.”

WVU receives funding for research from a variety of sources including federal, state, industry and private donors.

Research funding is usually obtained through a competitive process, in which projects are evaluated for quality and impact before monies are allocated. Competitions are run by government agencies, corporations and foundations.

Read the full story from West Virginia University here.