What is UW–Madison’s current research ranking?
UW–Madison was ranked fifth out of 925 universities in the United States for research expenditures, according to the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development Survey. The ranking reflects funding invested during fiscal year 2024.
How much did UW–Madison spend on research during fiscal year 2024?
From July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, UW–Madison invested $1.93 billion in research expenditures. Nearly half of that came from federal awards, which support work in areas such as public health, engineering, agriculture, climate sciences, and national security. A significant share also came from nonprofit contributors, including the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.
Why is research ranking important?
A high research ranking:
- Indicates a university’s competitiveness for federal grants
- Helps recruit and retain talented faculty and students
- Attracts private-sector partnerships
- Drives innovation that has real-world impact
- Strengthens Wisconsin’s economy
Will the ranking be impacted by cuts to research funding?
In Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin’s address to the Board of Regents, she noted that in 2025, federal research funding fell by 17 percent, with 145 grants terminated or paused, resulting in roughly $27 million in lost support. If federal funding declines further in 2026, it could reduce overall research spending and make it difficult for UW–Madison to maintain its competitive national standing. Federal research cuts have affected universities nationwide, with $2.1 billion in funding targeted for public institutions and $1.2 billion at private institutions. However, the impact on induvial university remains unclear.
What is the UW doing to maintain its research productivity during this period of uncertainty?
UW–Madison is actively defending itself by challenging terminated grants through legal action, engaging federal lawmakers to protect funding, and restoring paused awards where possible. At the same time, the university continues investing in long-term initiatives like the RISE Initiative and the Wisconsin Entrepreneurship Hub, positioning UW–Madison to remain competitive despite funding uncertainty.
Learn more about where federal funding stands in 2026.
