Building New Knowledge
WSU’s expanding research portfolio applies the institution’s expertise in fundamental, applied science, and community engaged research in the life sciences, humanities, and social sciences to address major issues affecting the state, nation, and world. Areas of prioritized interdisciplinary research focus include: the health of humans, communities, and animals; the security and abundance of the food supply; the sustainability of sources of energy for future generations; and the mitigation of the effects of climate change.
As reported in the most recent National Science Foundation HERD survey, WSU research and development expenditures totaled over $368 million (FY22). In fiscal year 2024, WSU achieved a new milestone with $331.5 million in awarded proposals. Among the top federal sponsors of WSU research were: the Department of Agriculture—$89 million; the Department of Health and Human Services—$66.4 million; the Department of Energy—$25.9 million; and the National Science Foundation—$22 million. The university also enjoys research collaborations with several Washington commodity commissions, including the Washington Grain Commission, Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, and the Washington State Wine Commission (with awards from these commissions totaling $8.9 million in FY23), as well as partnerships with several national laboratories including the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
WSU and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have strengthened their partnership over the past six years by combining their scientific, research, and academic capabilities to drive innovation and address science, technology, and engineering problems with high social impact. The partnership has resulted in three WSU–PNNL Joint Institutes, the WSU–PNNL Joint Appointment Program, and the Distinguished Graduate Research Program (DGRP). With the creation of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, WSU became one of just 13 institutions in the nation with colleges of agriculture, medicine, and veterinary medicine. The distinction positions the university to undertake research in emerging fields vital to the well-being and economic prosperity of the region and beyond.
WSU researchers lead advancement on a range of topics, including areas of strength in:
- Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture
- Community and Public Health
- Environmental Sciences and Energy Futures
- Biomedical, Life Science, and Biotechnology
- Next Generation Materials and Advanced Manufacturing
- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning and Robotics