2019 Annual Report - University of Houston
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Division of Research
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2019 Annual Report

Amr Elnashai Presiden't Cabinet portrait
The University of Houston's research and innovation enterprise continues to impress with a remarkable 10% increase in research expenditure, surpassing $195 million and setting new records. Our talented faculty, supported by an inspiring chancellor and dedicated provost, have driven this success.

Additionally, thanks to a generous $50 million ASPIRE gift, we are establishing four world-class research institutes focused on global engagement, smart cities, sustainable energy, and health innovations. As we enter the second year of the 50-in-5 campaign and welcome the inaugural class of the College of Medicine, these transformative initiatives will further expand our research capabilities.

This annual report presents compelling evidence of our national and global prominence in research and serves as a testament to our commitment to excellence and preeminence.

Amr Elnashai, FREng
Vice President for Research

Research By The Numbers

Although research expenditures have continued to rise at a consistent pace, UH experienced a jump in expenditures for fiscal year 2019. UH saw the rise in expenditures to an all-time high of $195 million, with 67 percent of those expenditures from federal sources. UH’s proposal activity remains relatively consistent, though more funds were requested through a fewer number of proposals overall. In FY19, UH researchers submitted more major and mid-range ($250,000-$990,000) grant proposals and less small grant proposals, denoting a shift in focus to larger grant opportunities.
  • $195MResearch Expenditures
  • $736MTotal Funds Requested
  • $110MTotal Projected Award Amount
  • 1,282Proposals Submitted
  • 25%Proposals Awarded
  • 319Number of Awards Received

Innovation By The Numbers

UH licensing income has risen dramatically over the last decade, hitting another all-time high of $65.7 million for FY19. The increase is nearly a 1400 percent jump from FY10. While UH faculty continue to disclose a consistent number of inventions each year, patented technologies are on the rise. The number of patents awarded has increased by 100 percent since FY11.
  • $65.7M Licensing Income
  • 61Disclosures
  • 40Patents

2019: Year In Review

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The Aspire Institutes

The University of Houston has received a $50 million matching fund pledge, known as the "Aspire Fund: The $50 Million Challenge." This generous donation, from an anonymous donor, aims to enhance the university's academic strength and national relevance. It establishes four interdisciplinary institutes to tackle critical societal challenges in energy, infrastructure, population health and global engagement. The funds will create endowed chairs and professorships, making this a unique initiative for UH, while encouraging further matching contributions, potentially exceeding $100 million and strengthening UH's faculty recruitment efforts.

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