Research is on the rise at George Mason University.
This past year, spending on externally sponsored research projects led by faculty increased almost 15 percent from the previous academic year, to $115.4 million. The total amount of research awards increased by 37 percent during the same period.
The increase puts the university on pace to meet its goal of $225 million by 2024 and continue its impact as a leader in the Commonwealth.
“Our vision of a world-class research university is one that discovers new ideas and new paradigms for research and scholarship that change the world,” said S. David Wu, Mason provost and executive vice president. “Our faculty integrates that new knowledge into our curriculum to produce the next generation of thought leaders and innovators.”
Mason became a Tier 1 research university in 2016. This fall, based in part on the university’s research profile, the Academic Ranking of World Universities selected Mason as a top 95 university in the United States and a top 300 university in the world.
Mason is the largest public research university in Virginia. The university has identified three areas of focus for its research enterprise, which are critical to the region and state. They are health and wellness, cyber and data analytics, and resilient and sustainable societies.
Some recent success stories include:
- Mason scientists developed nanotechnology for a urine test that can more quickly and accurately detect tuberculosis.
- A Mason symposium of faculty, health practitioners, and state and federal officials examined strategies to eradicate the opioid crisis in our region.
- A Department of Homeland Security Centers of Excellence Summit drew more than 500 university researchers and government and industry leaders to discuss ways the academic community can assist in disrupting criminal activities.
Learn more about Mason research.