Washington State University received $184.2 million in new grant awards in fiscal 2003-04, breaking the record set the previous year by nearly 16 percent.

More than $151 million was awarded through competitive grants and contracts, a 21-percent increased over 2002-03. The balance of the funds came through state legislative appropriations and federal appropriations for research, public service, and engagement activities associated with WSU’s status as a land-grant institution.

The largest recipient of new awards, in terms of number and total dollar value, was the Agricultural Research Center (more than $55.9 million). Other major recipients included the College of Sciences ($30 million), WSU Extension ($26.3 million), College of Veterinary Medicine ($20.6 million), and College of Engineering and Architecture ($16.4 million).

Awards to faculty at urban campuses also rose rapidly, with programs at WSU Spokane attracting $7.5 million, WSU Tri-Cities $6.3 million, and WSU Vancouver $1.6 million.

“This is a great tribute to the outstanding faculty members here at Washington State University,” says President V. Lane Rawlins. “As a public research institution, we have an important responsibility to perform the research, public service, and outreach necessary to expand the frontiers of knowledge and to build the economy of our state.”

“These large awards reflect the changing landscape,” says Jim Petersen, WSU vice provost for research. “Funding agencies are interested not only in individual research awards, but also in larger, collaborative awards that have a high impact on the institution, state, and nation.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, of which the National Institutes of Health is a part, remains the largest source of sponsored program funds for WSU, providing about $20.6 million. Other major providers include state government ($18 million), U.S. Department of Agriculture ($17 million), U.S. Department of Defense ($15 million), U.S. Department of Energy ($12 million), and the National Science Foundation ($10 million).