Our impact
Explore growth, rankings and impact in research and technology transfer at ASU
Advancing research excellence
One of the fastest growing research institutions in the United States, Arizona State University has expanded its research enterprise more than sixfold in the past 20 years. This rapid growth is a testament to ASU’s ability to convene transdisciplinary teams that can address complex problems and deliver solutions that benefit humanity.
ASU is one of the fastest growing research institutions in the U.S.
$905.7M in total
research expenditures
Rankings by research expenditures
#1
Anthropology
#1
Transdisciplinary research
#2
Education
#2
Business management and business administration
#2
Non-science and engineering
#3
Geological and earth sciences
#3
Social sciences
#5
Overall among institutions without a medical school
#8
Health and Human Services (including NIH) funding among institutions without a medical school
Data from the NSF HERD Survey, reflecting FY 2022 expenditures.
#1 for global impact
ASU ranks No. 1 in the U.S. and No. 6 in the world for addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, according to Times Higher Education.
Highlights of discovery and innovation
First X-rays for laser
Scientists generate the first X-rays with the compact X-ray light source, marking a major milestone.
Quantum boost
ASU launches Quantum Collaborative to advance discoveries and applications in quantum technology.
Complete coral map
Researchers complete the Allen Coral Atlas, the world’s first full map of shallow water coral reefs.
Combating COVID-19
ASU makes the first FDA-approved COVID-19 saliva test in the western U.S. and provides to Arizona.
Tiny tumor fighters
ASU helps build nanorobots from DNA that can shrink tumors by cutting off their blood supply.
OTES sendoff
The first space instrument built entirely at ASU launches on a NASA mission to the asteroid Bennu.
Humans debut
A fossil discovery provides the earliest evidence of our human genus, Homo, 2.8 million years ago.
West Nile therapeutic
Scientists use a plant-derived treatment to successfully combat West Nile virus after infection.
Microbes clean our water
Scientists invent a system that uses naturally occurring microbes to remove contaminants from water.
Phoenix as a laboratory
Phoenix becomes a living lab as one of only two NSF Long-Term Ecological Research sites in a city.
Materials for life
Scientists discover the first amino acids originating from outside the Earth in meteorite samples.
Solar gets its start
The same year the solar cell was invented, ASU houses the Association for Applied Solar Energy.
Technology transfer
Ranked No. 1 in innovation for nine consecutive years, ASU is a leader in translating research into products and services for the benefit of society. In fact, the university ranks in the top ten for U.S. utility patents issued to universities worldwide in 2022. Since 2003, more than 200 companies have launched based on ASU innovations, attracting $1.2 billion in external funding.
Invention disclosures (FY 23)
U.S. patents (FY 23)
New startup companies (FY 23)
ASU excellence
Learn more about Arizona State University rankings and honors.
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