By the Numbers: DU Research and Scholarship in 2025
Highlights of the year’s research activity included $46 million in funding and more than 1,100 undergraduate researchers.
The University of Denver’s robust research and scholarship activities thrived in 2025. With more than $46 million in external research expenditures and 138 new grant agreements, the University continued to grow in its status as an R1 institution.
According to Corinne Lengsfeld, senior vice provost for research and graduate education, the DU research community remains strong thanks in part to extensive innovation and collaboration. “The diversity, creativity, resilience, and dedication of DU’s researchers continue to position us for success—whether in advancing knowledge, mentoring the next generation, or addressing the most pressing challenges of our time,” says Lengsfeld.
Here are some of the highlights—by the numbers—from fiscal year 2025.
$46 million
Total amount of DU research expenditures, with approximately 70% being federally funded and about 11% coming from the state or local level
8
Number of newly designated research centers and institutes
$10.7 million
Total amount of expenditures from the highest earning division, the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, followed by Morgridge College of Education and the Graduate School of Social Work at $8.4 million each
253
Number of principal and co-principal investigators
33,933
Number of faculty citations
1,106
Number of undergraduates who participated in research, a more than 60% increase over the previous year
89
Number of students participating in the 2025 Student Signature Work Showcase, spanning five schools and 33 majors
241
Number of elite and national media placements in news outlets including the New York Times, Newsweek, NBC News, Bloomberg, NPR, and the Washington Post
720
Number of local media placements
100+
Number of media placements from DU’s Public Impact Fellows
2,304
Number of master’s degrees awarded
443
Number of doctoral degrees awarded
For more information about DU research, view the Impact Report: Research, Scholarship & Creative Work, FY 2025 from the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
