USF Research Funding Rises 15% to $531M, Fueling Advances in Alzheimer’s, Nursing and Lunar Tech

The University of South Florida reported research expenditures of $531 million in fiscal year 2025, a notable increase from the previous year and a 15% rise over the past two years. University leaders say the growth reflects accelerating momentum in a competitive national funding environment and is supporting high-impact work in Alzheimer’s prevention, nursing workforce development and space exploration.

Targeted Investments and Workforce Impact

USF is directing increased funding to priority areas that address both local and national needs. The College of Nursing, led by Dean Usha Menon, is heading a federally funded initiative to expand the number of nurses trained to serve medically underserved communities and primary care settings, helping to relieve strain on the nation’s nursing pipeline.

Partnerships in Space Technology

In the aerospace sector, USF researchers and students are partnering with NASA to flight-test technologies that map lunar surface hazards in real time. These experiments aim to demonstrate low-cost, autonomous landing capabilities that could reduce mission risk and lower barriers to lunar exploration.

Translating Research Into Community Benefit

Provost Prasant Mohapatra highlighted the university's upward movement in national research rankings as evidence of a focused commitment to research and teaching. He said the institution prioritizes translating discovery into meaningful outcomes that serve communities, strengthen federal and industry collaborations, and provide hands-on training for students.

USF officials say the funding increase will accelerate translational research, expand training opportunities for health and STEM professionals, and support ongoing partnerships that extend the university's national impact.