Grant funding sets record high at OSU

The OSU system received a total of $136.3 million, an increase of 10 percent from the year before. Research awards increased by 40 percent — from nearly $57 million in 2009 to almost $80 million in 2010. The money has helped support a variety of programs at a time when the state was forced to cut back allocations.

"It's a great boost for the university," said Stephen McKeever, vice president for research and technology transfer.

McKeever said several factors have contributed to the increase in grant funding. The university has been promoting a culture of research, scholarship and entrepreneurship during recent years, which has encouraged faculty and staff to apply for more grants, McKeever said. Stimulus funds were also a factor.

Grant money becomes even more important during tough economic times. Oklahoma State University received a $4.5 million, or 1.77 percent decrease, in state allocations this year.

Grants help support a variety of programs at OSU, including nutrition studies, projects to encourage young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering or math, and an extensive biofuels program that started at OSU during the late-1990s.