USF
Letter from the President
A
t the University of South Florida (USF), our extraordinary faculty,
staff and students continue to propel us to new heights.
We established a new record, $505.9 million, in total research
expenditures during the 2017 fiscal year. The National Science
Foundation ranks USF 28th in the nation for research expenditures. In
addition, our faculty and researchers attracted a record $475.2 million
in contracts and grants.
Those funds support cutting-edge research that is addressing critical
issues across The Corridor, the state of Florida and the nation. Our
scholarship and research extend across the world as well; in 2017, USF
led the state with the most Student Fulbright Awards (10), and in 2016,
we had the highest number of faculty Fulbright Scholars (12) of any
university in the nation.
USF’s research enterprise has a significant economic impact. According
to the National Institutes of Health, every $1 in research funding translates
to $2.21 in local economic growth. Our fiscal year 2017 research funding
alone supported more than 5,900 jobs and generated more than $1
billion in local growth.
But it’s not just the dollars attached to our research productivity that is
so impressive; it is how we apply our creativity to real-world problems
and finding practical solutions. USF ranks first in Florida, fifth in the nation
among public universities and 11th worldwide for granted U.S. patents
among all universities, according to the Intellectual Property Owners
Association/NAI.
We are constantly exploring new ways to contribute to Corridor
growth. As one example, we have established the Office of Corporate
Partnerships as a new “front door” for businesses seeking to collaborate
with the university. The office will make it easier for corporate entities to
navigate the world of academic research and development, and it will
expand on our strong history of partnering with leading employers to
advance our economy. I encourage you to visit the office’s website (usf.
edu/research-innovation/ocp/) to learn more.
We look forward to working with you to create greater opportunities
throughout The Corridor. At USF, we have incredible momentum. And
we’re just getting started.
Cordially yours,
Dr. Judy Genshaft
President, University of South Florida System
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