The Office of Research recently released the FY2020 Research Annual Report featuring outstanding research conducted at Washington State University. Research, scholarship, and creative activity, including the pursuit of new knowledge, is an essential part of WSU’s land-grant mission. Our researchers untangle complex problems and apply new knowledge to create solutions that enrich the quality of life for us all.
While many newsworthy research developments and breakthroughs happened throughout fiscal year 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic set the course of science and propelled researchers at home and abroad to the forefront of discovery. Research conducted by WSU faculty, staff, and students has played a vital role in our understanding of COVID-19 and therefore has positively impacted the people of our state, region, nation, and world.
Over the years, WSU scientists have studied the effects of inequality in an array of areas, presenting solutions for going forward. As part of the Office of Research’s commitment to supporting our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) research community, this report highlights research conducted by our BIPOC researchers and the research that impacts these communities. In the FY2020 report, we feature research with high impact that tackles challenges around inequality and promotes diversity throughout society.
Additionally, we also celebrate the incredible achievements of our entire research community, despite being one of the most challenging years in recent history. While FY2020 ended significantly different than it began, WSU scientists continued to conduct research with high societal impact. In FY2020, research and development (R&D) expenditures totaled $335.2 million. WSU also set a record $6,488,304 in royalty income, which includes licensing revenue from the successful launch of the Cosmic Crisp ® apple.
We also celebrated milestones reached by our researchers, including the election of eight WSU faculty members to the Washington State Academy of Sciences. Other major achievements include Sue Brannon Clark receiving the 2020 Glenn T. Seaborg Award for Nuclear Chemistry, Yuehe Lin being named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, and Anastasia Tucker chosen for an Andrew W. Mellow Fellowship for Diversity, Inclusion, and Cultural Heritage.
Check out the FY2020 Research Annual Report here.