Statler College research programs rank among top 100 in US in latest NSF survey

A new report by the National Science Foundation ranked the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources 84th in research expenditures among 404 engineering programs surveyed.

Story by Olivia Miller, Communications Specialist
Photos by Paige Nesbit, Director of Marketing and Communications

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

The NSF Higher Education Research and Development Survey tracks total R&D expenditures at United States academic institutions each fiscal year. West Virginia University has been ranked 121st with $187.512 million in total research and development expenditures. The Statler College accounts for nearly $42.5 million, which represents 23 percent of total research expenditures of the University. 

“The NSF ranking on research expenditures is just one of the ways to measure the impact and momentum of the outstanding research done in the Statler College,” said Glen H. Hiner Dean Pedro Mago. “Our excellent and dedicated faculty and students are developing new technologies and solving problems that benefit humanity today. I am tremendously proud of all the exceptional work of everyone involved in our research efforts, and I look forward to what the future brings at our College.”

Seven disciplines in the Statler College ranked in the top 100 of the survey: mechanical engineering (26), industrial engineering (34), chemical engineering (64), materials science (70), civil engineering (81), electrical engineering (83) and aerospace engineering (95).

As an R1 – or very high research activity — classified institution, WVU ranks amongst the most elite research universities in the United States. The NSF R&D expenditure survey is one of the keys elements that contributes to the prestigious designation.

To maintain this classification, researchers in the Statler College engage in research at the highest level by working with students, collaborators, corporations and government agencies to solve worldwide challenges related to cybersecurity, food security, renewable energy, robotics, biomedical technology and much more.

The NSF Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey is the primary source of information on separately accounted for R&D expenditures within higher education institutions in the United States and outlying areas. The survey was a census of all known eligible universities and colleges spanning 916 institutions.

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