UTSA reports big increase in research spending

University more than halfway toward Tier 1 goal

SAN ANTONIO – The University of Texas-San Antonio released its final research numbers Tuesday, reporting a nearly 17 percent increase in research spending in 2011.

The increase comes at a time when both state and federal funds are especially tight, and puts the university's total research spending at nearly $57 million, more than halfway to the school's goal of $100,000 million, which would give UTSA Tier One status.

"I think it certainly gives us an advantage in recruiting both faculty and students to UTSA," said Dr. Robert Gracy, UTSA's Vice President for Research.

According to the university, research spending has increased 75.8 percent over the last five years.

UTSA President Ricardo Romo said the school has expanded its research programs by recruiting top faculty and by focusing on five specific areas of research: health, cyber security, energy, sustainability, and human development.

In spite of the current state of the U.S. economy, Gracy said UTSA received funding for one out of every five research proposals it submitted.