Recently, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University announced that it had secured $147.4 million in funding for fiscal year 2023, which is a significant increase of $50 million from the previous year. (Photo: stock)

This achievement shows a growth of 138% over the past four years, making the university one of the top three most productive research universities within the University of North Carolina System.

These grants will fund scientific discoveries and solutions that advance the human condition, and the university is highly regarded for its research in areas such as autonomous vehicles, nanoscale materials, and plant science.

During the gathering for faculty and staff, Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. announced this milestone achievement for the university, which has never received more than $100 million in external support.

The grants will fund significant scientific discoveries and pursue solutions that advance the human condition.

Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development, Eric R. Muth, Ph.D., praised the university’s faculty and research teams for their dedication and achievements, which have helped the university become a high-impact research institution.

In the same year, A&T’s faculty and staff secured 278 grants and contracts, including a $24 million U.S. Department of Commerce grant and an $18.1 million U.S. Department of Agriculture grant.

Almost a third of the university’s total grant funding was secured by the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, totaling nearly $40 million.

Additionally, several projects received additional funding, including a five-year, $9 million grant from the Department of Defense Office of Naval Research, a cooperative agreement from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development (DEVCOM) Soldier Center, and a $1.5 million NASA grant.

Furthermore, funding was awarded to support a collaboration across the Nutrition Obesity Research Center at the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Public Health and the North Carolina Diabetes Research Center.

Lastly, three patents were awarded, bringing the total number historically granted for A&T research to 66.

A study conducted by Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics associate professors Cephas Naanwaab, Ph.D., and Alfredo Romero, Ph.D., revealed A&T’s economic impact on the state totaled $2.4 billion for FY2022.

The analysis focused on six sectors, including research expenditures, and found that A&T spent approximately $73.1 million on research and development activities, including employing talent and purchasing equipment, supplies, and services.

What a great way to celebrate our opening day for faculty & staff. We are excited to announce that A&T has secured $147.4 million in research and program funding in fiscal year 2023 – a $50 million jump over the previous year. #NCAT Read full details at https://t.co/25LvXMFHjO pic.twitter.com/xzeXVBK0qx

— North Carolina A&T (@ncatsuaggies) August 18, 2023