FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Public Affairs, (405) 325-1701


BARTLESVILLE – The University of Oklahoma has set a new record high for external funding for research and sponsored programs, closing out fiscal year 2006 at almost nearly $239 million, more than $17 million above last year.

“This record-breaking year in research underlines the role of OU as a principal engine for economic growth for our entire state,” said OU President David L. Boren. “This research growth leads ultimately to the creation of higher paying jobs in our state and encourages our young people to stay in Oklahoma.”

Research expenditures have more than doubled at OU over the past 12 years.

Expenditures grew at an average annual rate of 8.3 percent over the period, from $92 million in 1994 to $239 million this year.

In recent years, Norman campus expenditures accounted for the largest growth from $122.7 million in FY05 to $135.2 million in FY06, an increase of 10.18 percent. That figure includes $67.3 million in expenditures for externally sponsored programs at the OU College of Continuing Education, an increase of 14.85 percent over FY05. OU Health Sciences Center campus grants grew from $99.2 million in FY05 to $104 million in FY06, an increase of 4.75 percent.

“The growth in sponsored programs expenditures across the board on the Norman and Health Sciences campuses and the College of Continuing Education is a testament to the breadth and depth of excellence found at OU. In particular, the growth in areas that directly feed into economic development, such as our weather and health sciences programs, is particularly gratifying,” said Lee Williams, vice president for research on the Norman campus.

Particularly successful university research programs include weather, genomics, chemistry, health sciences, nanosciences, and applied social research. Those areas are expected to grow by leaps and bounds with the establishment of the Cy and Lissa Wagner Research Campus in Norman, anchored by the Stephenson Research and Technology Center and the National Weather Center facility, and with the recent completion of Phase II of the Stanton L. Young Biomedical Research Center at the OU Health Sciences Center.