The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, through its use of federal research grants, supported thousands of jobs, generated millions of dollars in research-related spending across the United States, and spurred innovation and economic growth based on a new report for 2024 (FY) activity.
According to U-M’s latest research expenditure report, the university spent more than $332 million last year on goods and services needed to support federally funded projects.
The expenditures benefited vendors in more than 700 U.S. counties, with Michigan-based companies receiving $97.7 million. Businesses in Washtenaw County accounted for the largest share, receiving $66.7 million to supply materials, equipment, and services for U-M research.
Federal research funding at U-M also plays a role in training the next generation of scientists and engineers. In 2024, federal grants supported 16,152 individuals, including faculty, staff, and students.
Overall, students made up nearly 44 percent of the research workforce, with the National Science Foundation funding more than 61 percent of student researchers.
The National Institutes of Health grants played a key role in employing postgraduate researchers, ensuring a strong pipeline of talent for the nation’s research enterprise.
Last year, businesses in all 13 Michigan Congressional districts received direct research-related funding from U-M. Michigan’s 6th congressional district in southeast Michigan saw the greatest economic benefit, with more than $71 million in research spending.
The economic impact reports are based on data that U-M supplies to IRIS (Institute for Research on Innovation and Science), a national consortium of 32 research universities that are organized around an institutional review board-approved data repository. IRIS is based at U-M’s Institute for Social Research in Ann Arbor.
“IRIS reports pull back the curtain on the resources and expertise that universities need — with support and partnership from federal agencies — to fuel discovery and innovation,” says Jason Owen-Smith, executive director at IRIS and professor of sociology and associate vice president for research-institutional capabilities and research intelligence at U-M.
“Whether by purchasing equipment, hiring contractors, or training early career researchers, universities are a source of everyday economic and social benefits to communities in every congressional district in the country.”
Working with the NIH, Department of Energy, NASA, and Department of Defense, U-M research has led to life-saving medical treatments, energy solutions, advanced space exploration, and new defense technologies.
U-M reported a record $2.04 billion in research volume during fiscal year 2024, including $1.17 billion in federally sponsored research expenditures.
“Research universities like ours are not only engines of discovery, they’re also engines of economic vitality,” says Arthur Lupia, interim vice president for research and innovation at U-M.
“Every federal dollar invested in U-M research generates ripple effects across the country, creating jobs, supporting businesses, and preparing the skilled workforce our nation needs to stay competitive. This impact is a powerful reminder that research is not an expense, it’s an investment in our shared future.”
For more information on IRIS, visit iris.isr.umich.edu/.
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