Despite COVID-19, externally-funded research at Tennessee Tech topped $20 million for the second consecutive school year.
“Despite all of the disruptions we faced this year, Tech researchers continued their work, which enabled us to reach this level again,” Tech President Phil Oldham said. “This is a testament to how outside organizations value Tech’s expertise.”
A total of 154 sponsored research projects were conducted by Tennessee Tech faculty with 98 of those funded by the federal government. The US Department of Transportation, the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy led the funding agencies for Tech.
Some 110 faculty are involved in the research.
“Our faculty and staff researchers put in a lot of effort to obtain this important funding,” Oldham said. “This enables them to better serve their students, the state and the world.”
Since 2018-2019, the number of proposals has increased 15.5 percent. Activations have increased 3.4 percent.
Last year, Tennessee Tech set a goal of $40 million in externally funded research by 2025.