Idaho State University actively advocates for the development and expansion of its research and training programs, and for full federal funding of student financial aid programs like the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Work Study. While there have been several recent challenges and obstacles related to federal program funding impacting universities and organizations nationwide, ISU’s research and creative scholarship enterprise remains strong.
In May 2025, ISU surpassed $40 million in external funding awards for the first time. This increase demonstrates the grit and resilience of ISU faculty, staff, and students who continue to design, propose, and carry out innovative research, training, and creative activities.
To support these efforts, ISU’s leaders steadily advocate with state and federal government officials, and with private industry partners. The relationships and partnerships developed through their efforts are paying dividends in support of ISU’s education and research mission.
ISU’s campuses are consistently visited by local and state policy makers, including U.S. Senator Mike Crapo and U.S. Representative Mike Simpson, members of the state’s Joint Finance Appropriations Committee (JFAC) and by the staff of Idaho’s elected officials. Visiting with ISU faculty and students, they witnessed firsthand the impact that ISU is having on the communities, state, and region served by the University.
President Robert W. Wagner, Ph.D. and Vice President for Research and Economic Development Marty Blair, Ph.D. traveled to Washington, D.C. multiple times to directly inform the Idaho federal delegation and key Idaho business leaders about ISU’s research and training leadership in health sciences, nuclear energy, environment-related science, rural-focused education, veterans support services, first generation student support, and much more.
Wagner presented a new Presidential Resolution affirming the centrality of research to the institutional mission in February 2025. As evidence of a renewed commitment to excellence in innovative academic research and creative scholarship, he announced that ISU was re-designated as a Carnegie-classified Research 2: High Spending and Doctorate Production institution.
Trending upward year after year, research at ISU is a driver of growth and development, solidifying the Carnegie research designation. In fiscal year 2023, Idaho State reported $29.7 million in research and extramural expenditures. In FY24, that number increased to nearly $40 million. This represents a 25 percent increase in research expenditures in one year and a 200 percent increase in research and extramural funding since 2018.
“Faculty at Idaho State University actively shape the future, providing hands-on opportunities for experiential learning, student inquiry, and professional development that inspires the next generation of scholars and industry leaders,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Adam Bradford. “Research exerts a lasting and meaningful impact by nurturing a fundamental desire for knowledge and discovery in our students.”
Last year, ISU students also received just over $4 million in externally sponsored wages, fellowships, and stipends to participate in research and creative scholarship activities.
“At its core, ISU is a supportive community devoted to the betterment of our broader world,” Wagner said. “We affirm our commitment to research, and to continuing to grow as an institution dedicated to solving complex, real-world issues, and making a difference in the communities we serve.”
For more information, view the full resolution.