The University of Washington received $557 million in grant and contract awards for 1997-98—the highest level ever received at the University, officials announced Sept. 18.
An increase of 9 percent over 1996-97, these awards support a variety of research and training programs. The research funding is over and above state appropriations for instruction and the basic operation of the University. About 76 percent comes from federal agencies.
Since 1969, the UW has ranked among the top five educational institutions in the United States in receipt of total federal awards. It ranked second overall and first among public universities in 1996, the most recent year for which government figures are available.
The single largest sponsoring agency for the UW continues to be the Department of Health and Human Services, with 47 percent of the total awards. Roughly two-thirds of these awards support programs in the School of Medicine.
Grant and contract support has doubled over the past decade. The awards are received in response to faculty-initiated, University-approved proposals for funds to support specific projects or programs consistent with the University’s goals.
“The continuing large volume of research, and the UW’s national ranking based on awards, is a tribute to the high caliber of University of Washington faculty members,” says Vice Provost for Research Alvin Kwiram.