Dear Wayne State University Community: 

On November 25, 2024, the National Science Foundation released the Higher Education and Development Survey (HERD) for fiscal year 2023. This report is the primary source of institutional information on research and development (R & D) activity at more than 900 colleges and universities in the United States. The HERD survey systematically defines and quantifies R&D activity through expenditures across broad disciplinary, agency, purpose and other dimensions.   

Here are a few quick Wayne State University headlines from the 2023 HERD Survey:

• Total R&D expenditures increased 3.6% to $250.9 million in FY23 from $242.2 million in FY22 

• Wayne State ranks in top 100 in four areas: Chemistry (54), Health Sciences (60), Physical Sciences (77), and Life Sciences (87) 

• Our federal and nonprofit R&D expenditures increased at a higher rate than our 10 peer institutions  

• Wayne State’s growth in institutional R&D investments was larger relative to our peers 

• Our overall ranking declined six places to 118, and our public ranking fell three places to 78, due to higher rates of growth in R&D expenditures at other universities 

We’re pleased by the overall growth in R&D activity, and particularly the relative increase in highly competitive, federally funded R&D. This accomplishment is a testament to the quality of work by our faculty. Also noteworthy were the areas that we grew, especially those where we outpaced our peers.  

We also recognize there is more work to do to seize the opportunity for additional growth in engineering, computer science, social sciences, physical sciences and other fields, as well as in collaborations with business. Our team continues to plan aggressively on how best to support our faculty and work diligently to grow the impact of our research portfolio. 

Thanks to the faculty, staff and leaders who continue to contribute to achieve our research and innovation goals. In the coming months we will share more detailed plans to expand our research enterprise to the benefit of our university, our local communities, and beyond. I look forward to engaging with everyone on this important endeavor. 

Sincerely, 

Ezemenari M. Obasi, Ph.D. 

Vice President for Research & Innovation