University of Dayton research hits new revenue record through federal, state research grants

DAYTON, Ohio — The University of Dayton attracted a record of more than $94 million in sponsored research during the last fiscal year, an estimated 10.5 percent jump from the previous year.

According to Mickey McCabe, vice president for research and executive director of the University's research institute, preliminary figures indicate that the University's research revenue grew at a record pace.

"Much of the growth can be attributed to our continued strong business relationship with the federal government and the University's success in winning Third Frontier research grants from the State of Ohio," McCabe said.

Federal grants accounted for about 75 percent of research revenue, while Third Frontier grants to the University totaled about 16 percent.

The Ohio Third Frontier provides grants to support commercialization projects requiring major capital acquisitions and improvements at Ohio colleges and universities and nonprofit research institutions. Projects must involve one or more Ohio companies and be in the areas of advanced materials; advanced and alternative energy; instruments, controls and electronics; biomedical; and advanced propulsion.

Nanomaterials research, sensors technology, and fuels and energy research were the three strongest areas of growth for the University and are helping to spur economic development for the region, McCabe said.

Through programs such as the University of Dayton-led Institute for Development and Commercialization of Advanced Sensors Technology (IDCAST), McCabe said the University has been successful in bringing research and industry together to create jobs and spur economic development. For example, in two years, IDCAST has created more than 220 jobs.

McCabe said the University of Dayton and the Research Institute enjoy strong partnerships with the U.S. Air Force as well as many local and regional businesses.

"We consider those partnerships as real resources and value their contributions to our success," he said.

More than 700 people working in research at the University of Dayton made the record year possible, McCabe said. Those involved in the University's research efforts include faculty, fulltime researchers as well as graduate and undergraduate researchers.

Research revenue for the 2008 fiscal year was $85 million, he said. Final figures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, will be available in August.

For interviews, contact Shawn Robinson, at 937-229-3391, Pamela Gregg at 937-229-3268 or Danita Nelson at 937-229-3515.

July 2009