The University of Dayton moved into the top spot among all U.S. Catholic colleges and universities for research in physical science, technology, engineering and math (physical S/TEM), in the latest National Science Foundation rankings. In the rankings released Nov. 14 for research performed in fiscal year 2018, UD also retained its top spot for all materials research among all U.S. colleges and universities.

It also remained No. 1 in a pair of other categories — federally sponsored research and development in engineering among Ohio colleges and universities, and sponsored research and development in engineering among all U.S. Catholic colleges and universities. In a new category, UD ranks No. 1 among Ohio colleges and universities for sponsored research and development in industrial and manufacturing engineering.

“While we are proud of these rankings, our true pride is in our staff and faculty researchers, whose dedication to innovation and to their customers makes us successful,” said John Leland, University of Dayton vice president for research. “Their hard work not only paves the way for growth in their own careers, but allows us to create new jobs and explore new fields of research.”

Below are other highlights from the NSF rankings for FY 2018 research: 

• UD remains No. 3 among all U.S. Catholic colleges and universities for sponsored research and development in all categories (science and non-science); Georgetown and Notre Dame are 1 and 2, respectively. 
• UD jumped a spot to seventh place for federally sponsored research and development in engineering among U.S. colleges and universities.
• UD remained ninth in total research expenditures among private four-year U.S. universities that do not perform medical research.
• UD jumped two spots to 21st place for all sponsored engineering research and development among all U.S. colleges and universities.

The University performed $159.8 million in sponsored research in fiscal year 2018, eclipsing the previous record of $135.9 million set in fiscal year 2017. 

The University also set a record in FY 2019, $170.5 million.

The University of Dayton Research Institute employs nearly 700 full-time and part-time, benefits-eligible professional researchers, technicians and administrative staff. Nearly 70 faculty and 240 students also engage in sponsored research.

For media interviews, contact Pamela Gregg at 937-229-3268 (office), 937-269-8963 (mobile) and pamela.gregg@udri.udayton.edu; or Shawn Robinson at 937-229-3391 or srobinson1@udayton.edu.