Mizzou Hits Record $553M in Research Funding Growth

By Blake Jackson

The University of Missouri reached a new milestone in research activity, reporting $553 million in expenditures for the 2025 fiscal year. This achievement marks a record high and extends a streak of 12 consecutive years of growth.

Since 2013, the university’s research funding has increased by 133%, reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing institutions within the Association of American Universities.

“Mizzou’s incredible research momentum reflects our community’s total dedication to achieving excellence,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said.

“Our faculty are leaders in their fields, and their research drives innovations that make a difference for those we serve while advancing our state’s workforce and economy.”

This continued growth reflects the university’s strong focus on innovation and real-world impact. Researchers at Mizzou are addressing critical challenges in areas such as agriculture, health care, and environmental sustainability, with benefits reaching both Missouri residents and global communities.

In agriculture, the Center for Regenerative Agriculture is leading efforts to improve farm resilience. One of its key initiatives, the Virtual Fence Grazing Program, uses GPS-enabled cattle collars to help producers manage livestock more efficiently, saving both time and labor.

The center’s director, Rob Myers, is also working to expand the use of cover crops nationwide. Backed by a $10 million grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the goal is to increase U.S. cover crop acreage to 40 million acres by 2030.

Additionally, researchers in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources are making strides in crop science.

A team led by Curators’ Distinguished Professor Ron Mittler discovered that soybean plants can protect themselves during extreme heat and drought by releasing water to cool sensitive areas like flowers and pods.

This breakthrough could pave the way for developing crops better suited to withstand challenging climate conditions.

Photo Credit: university-of-missouri