Each of the Oregon University System research universities – Oregon State University, Portland State University, and University of Oregon – each year conduct innovative research that helps solve significant problems and issues here in Oregon, nationally, and globally. OUS’s other campuses – Eastern Oregon University, Oregon Institute of Technology, Southern Oregon University, and Western Oregon University – also conduct a variety of research efforts related to the key areas of focus at their institutions.

OUS Sponsored Research

A strong research enterprise energizes teaching and learning, attracts and retains a strong faculty and students, and informs the work of public and private industry. Total sponsored research in OUS increased has increased significantly over the past decade, growing 70% since fiscal year 2002, from a total of $241 million to $409.5 million in fiscal year 2011. Out of this, federal sources of research have increased from $196 million in FY 2002 to $337.5 million in FY 2011. For more information on this topic, see the annual report and most recent statistics for the large research institutions at:

• Oregon State University research stats and annual report
• Portland State University research stats and annual report
• University of Oregon research stats and annual report

Research as a resource is growing

Across OUS, research as a university revenue resource has grown dramatically over the last decade. According to the National Science Foundation's report Academic Research and Development Expenditures: Fiscal Year 2008, Oregon public universities (including Oregon Health & Science University) rank 17th in total expenditures from federal sources. On a per faculty basis, Oregon jumps to fifth among the 50 states in federal research and development dollars. Currently (for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012), gifts, grants and contracts make up a relatively large percentage of each university’s annual revenues:

• Eastern Oregon University = 24% of revenues from Gifts, Grants and Contracts, or $12.7 million
• Oregon Institute of Technology = 21% of revenues from Gifts, Grants and Contracts, or $11.5 million
• Oregon State University = 35% of revenues from Gifts, Grants and Contracts, or $283.2 million
• Portland State University = 29% of revenues from Gifts, Grants and Contracts, or $128.5 million
• Southern Oregon University = 21% of revenues from Gifts, Grants and Contracts, or $18.3 million
• University of Oregon = 27% of revenues from Gifts, Grants and Contracts, or $207 million
• Western Oregon University = 27% of revenues from Gifts, Grants and Contracts, or $26 million