UC Davis reached a major milestone receiving $1.07 billion in external research funding in the fiscal year 2021-22, up $102.9 million from the previous record set last year. In doing so, UC Davis joins an exclusive group of fewer than 20 public universities in the nation surpassing $1 billion in research funding.

The awards lend support to a wide range of research areas, including advancing public health and medicine, developing new technologies in food, agriculture and the environment, empowering the underserved and enabling a more resilient society.

“This new record for research award funding marks a historic moment for UC Davis,” said Chancellor Gary S. May. “More than ever, our university is on a mission to address some of the world’s greatest challenges, from how we feed the world to the health of all living beings. This milestone shows clearly how UC Davis research is being sought more than ever, by both the public and private sector, and across numerous fields. I’m confident this kind of global impact from UC Davis will only continue to grow.”

A primary contributor to this year’s growth came from funding within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, up $72 million from the previous year for a total of $225 million. The School of Medicine also recorded a large increase, adding $29 million for a total of $396 million. The School of Veterinary Medicine ($89 million), College of Engineering ($79 million) and College of Biological Sciences ($68 million) rounded out the top five.

The federal government remained the largest provider of funding at $499 million, although down by $15 million from last year. The second leading source was the state of California at $210 million, up $46 million from the previous year. Funding from industry made up the third-highest source, totaling $104 million. Substantial increases also came from charities (up $26 million) and other UC programs (up $29 million).

“As the funding for research grows, so does the impact that UC Davis extends around the world,” said Prasant Mohapatra, vice chancellor for research. “This year’s grand accomplishment of surpassing $1 billion in research funding will translate into tomorrow’s discoveries, insight and products that offer a brighter future for our global community.”

The largest award, $53.4 million from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, went to Kamaljeet Khaira, director of the University of California CalFresh Nutrition Education Program to help reduce the chronic rate of obesity and encourage the awareness of healthy foods and increased physical activity among low-income people.