Funding Research at the UW
Research Expenditures
Federal investment in research is essential to discovery and innovation. Such investments also generate tangible benefits for Wisconsin, including a stronger workforce pipeline and new discoveries that save lives and boost the state’s economy.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison ranks fifth in the nation for research expenditures. In FY24, UW–Madison increased its total research spending by 11.6% to a record $1.93 billion. Almost half of this funding comes from federal awards from agencies like NSF, NIH, and the Department of Energy.
Research & Innovation at UW–Madison
Want to learn more? Read our Spring 2026 PDF fact sheet for key data on investments and research outcomes at UW–Madison.
Federal research expenditures by agency (2023–24)
Centers for Disease Control Research
This PDF highlights the 2023–24 CDC federal research awards at UW–Madison, including some research examples.
Department of Defense Research
This PDF highlights the 2023–24 DoD federal research awards at UW–Madison, including some research examples.
Department of Education Research
This PDF highlights the 2023–24 Department of Education federal research awards at UW–Madison, including some research examples.
Department of Energy Research
This PDF highlights the 2023–24 DOE federal research awards at UW–Madison, including some research examples.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Research
This PDF highlights the 2023–24 NASA federal research awards at UW–Madison, including some research examples.
National Institutes of Health Research
This PDF highlights the 2023–24 NIH federal research awards at UW–Madison, including some research examples.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Research
This PDF highlights the 2023–24 NOAA federal research awards at UW–Madison, including some research examples.
National Science Foundation Research
This PDF highlights the 2023–24 NSF federal research awards at UW–Madison, including some research examples.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Research
This PDF highlights the 2023–24 USDA federal research awards at UW–Madison, including some research examples.