Fresno State’s research activities and academic programming this past year included field detection of virus infections in grape vines, art conferences and workshops, and comparing approaches for enhanced prenatal care to improve maternal and child health.
During the 2024-25 academic year, the university received 384 grants and contracts for a total of $78.3 million to support research, provide professional training and internship opportunities, offer mentorship programs, purchase equipment and more.
“We are very pleased with the excellent award activity achieved over the past year. This success reflects the exceptional quality, creativity and dedication of our faculty, as well as the commitment of our university staff who actively pursue funding opportunities. I also want to recognize the outstanding work of our pre-award, university initiatives and post-award teams for their vital contributions to these accomplishments.”
Dr. Jason Bush, interim associate vice president of Research and Sponsored Programs at Fresno State
The grants awarded to Fresno State varied in amounts and came from federal, state and private agencies. Among the notable grants and contracts from the past year are:
- $7.95 million from the U.S. Department of Education for the Start Program, an initiative at Fresno State that provides students with personalized guidance and support through their college journey. Students are paired with an academic counselor for support with academic planning, personal growth and success.
- $93,969 from the National Science Foundation to Dr. Alexandria Hansen, biology, and Dr. Myunghwan Shin, liberal studies, to engage underserved youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The professors celebrated the National Science Foundation’s 75th anniversary in May by hosting a Maker Faire on campus where attendees participated in hands-on STEM activities such as building robots, motors, light-up circuits, air rockets and more.
- $10 million from the California Department of Social Services for the Central California Adult Services Training Academy at Fresno State. The academy provides training for Adult Protective Services program staff and allied adult service partners, such as In-Home Supportive Services staff and Public Guardian staff.
Fresno State earned an R2 designation, recently renamed “Doctoral University — High Research Activity” in 2022 by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, highlighting a significant commitment to growing research activities at the university. Only eight of the 22 universities in the California State University system share this designation.
“As we celebrate these achievements, we remain mindful of the evolving landscape and changes within federal agencies that are affecting research institutions nationwide,” Bush said. While these shifts may influence next year’s award activity, I am confident in our collective resilience and ability to adapt, positioning us for continued success in advancing our research enterprise.”
