Morgan State University has achieved a historic milestone by surpassing $100 million in sponsored research funding for the first time, reaching $104.4 million in Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). This represents an 18% increase from the $88.5 million secured in FY24. The achievement marks significant progress toward the university’s strategic goal of obtaining R1 (very high research activity) Carnegie classification as outlined in its “Transformation Morgan 2030” plan. Research expenditures for FY25 are projected to exceed $65 million, well above the $50 million R1 eligibility benchmark, marking the second consecutive year Morgan has surpassed this threshold.
Morgan’s FY25 research portfolio is diverse, supported by a wide range of federal, state, philanthropic, and industry funding. A standout element includes over $22.5 million in NASA grants, particularly through the GESTAR II cooperative agreement, where Morgan serves as the major partner. The university plays a critical role by employing around a third of GESTAR II’s 120 researchers, contributing significantly to Earth and atmospheric science research.
The National Institutes of Health awarded Morgan nearly $21 million to continue work through the RCMI Center for Urban Health Disparities Research and Innovation, which focuses on addressing chronic diseases in urban populations. Another notable project includes a $5 million grant from the National Nuclear Security Administration to establish the SPINE program, aimed at creating a diverse pipeline in nuclear engineering through innovative curriculum and mentorship.
Morgan also secured $4.3 million from the Department of Energy to support its urban climate research project, CoURAGE, which studies urban-rural climate interactions and involves students in applied science research. Additionally, the university received a $5 million National Science Foundation grant for its CREST Center, promoting research in quantum materials and enhancing STEM education and diversity in the field.
Another initiative includes a $1 million award from the U.S. Department of Defense for research into thermoelectric materials, which has the potential to influence clean energy innovation and new academic programs in nanoscale engineering. Since 2021, Morgan’s research funding has more than tripled from its previous average of $32 million annually, with at least $75 million secured in each of the last four years.
In FY25, Morgan submitted 271 proposals totaling $151 million and was awarded 161 new commitments, reflecting a nearly 60% success rate. These commitments included $95 million from federal sources, $7.5 million from state and local agencies, $1.2 million from foundations, and nearly $370,000 from private industry. This growth in research investment is credited to enhanced faculty development, upgraded infrastructure, and expanded strategic partnerships, positioning the university for continued success in research and innovation.
