As West Virginia’s only R1 “very high research activity” institution, WVU serves as the state’s primary gateway for federal, corporate, and philanthropic investment in research and innovation.
In FY24, the university reported $246.2 million in research expenditures, including $114.7 million in federal funding, ranking among the nation’s top research universities. These investments fuel laboratories, graduate education, and research infrastructure—creating jobs and stimulating local economies across all 55 counties.
WVU’s research enterprise is anchored by Health Sciences and Engineering. WVU Health Sciences secured $40.5 million in NIH funding in FY24, advancing discovery in cancer, neuroscience, population health, and rural medicine. The Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources attracted more than $50 million in sponsored research, strengthening West Virginia’s competitiveness in energy, manufacturing, health technology, and defense.
Through a growing commercialization ecosystem—including 350 invention disclosures dating to 2020, a portfolio of over 600 patent assets, and 32 active IP licenses— WVU ensures discoveries translate into real-world impact. Initiatives such as the WVU Innovation Corporation and Vantage Ventures connect researchers and entrepreneurs with capital and industry partners, turning campus innovations into companies and high-wage jobs that stay in West Virginia.
In FY24, WVU’s research enterprise generated $400.2 million in total statewide impact, supporting 3,418 jobs and producing $24.8 million in state and local tax revenue. Through its leadership in research, technology, and commercialization, WVU continues to turn discovery into opportunity—fueling innovation, entrepreneurship, and long-term growth across the Mountain State.