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Research Funding

Overview

Eligible Texas universities can receive additional funding toward the advancement and enhancement of research efforts at their institution of higher education.

Research Data for General Academic Institutions

Federal and Private Research Expenditures and Research Doctoral Degrees (2021-2023).

View the Research Datahyperlink to fast program page

Qualifying Institutional Funds

The Texas University Fund (TUF) is administered by the Texas Safekeeping Trust Company. TUF-eligible institutions must expend an average of $20 million in federal and private research annually, adjusted by inflation, award an average of 45 research doctoral degrees annually, and not be eligible for the Permanent University Fund (PUF). Currently, those institutions are the University of Houston (UH), University of North Texas (UNT), Texas Tech University (TTU), and Texas State University (TSU). Additional institutions may become eligible to participate in the TUF by achieving the required criteria, contingent upon legislative appropriations to maintain stable funding for the existing participants.

THECB Research Doctoral Degrees List

Eligible institutions: PUF-eligible institutions that expend an average of $20 million in federal and private research annually, adjusted by inflation, and award an average of 45 research doctoral degrees annually.

The Core Research Support Fund was repurposed as the NRSF by the 88th legislature. An eligible institution may use money received from the NRSF only for the support and maintenance of educational and general activities, including research and student services, that promote increased research capacity at the institution.

The program purpose is outlined in Texas Education Code, Chapter 62, Subchapter F-1.

TRIP provides matching funds to assist eligible public institutions in leveraging private gifts for the enhancement of research productivity and faculty recruitment. Eligible public institutions are institutions of higher education designated as emerging research universities under the Coordinating Board’s Accountability System or a university-affiliated entity of an emerging research university. The program purpose is outlined in Texas Administrative Code.

TRIP Status Report

Institutional Allocated Funds

Eligible institutions: emerging research institutions

The CRSF supports increased research capacity at eligible public universities and distributes funds by a set formula allocation to support faculty, including individual projects such as laboratory and equipment upgrades and graduate student tuition. The distribution formula is based on both total research expenditures and restricted research expenditures. The program purpose is outlined in Texas Education Code, Chapter 62, Subchapter F-1. Institutions report on expenditures from these funds (Research Reports, Policies, and Resources).

Eligible institutions: doctoral, comprehensive, and master’s institutions, excluding The University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University and institutions that are eligible for TUF or NRSF.

An eligible institution may use money received from the fund only for the support and maintenance of educational and general activities, including research and student services, that promote increased research capacity at the institution. The program purpose is outlined in Texas Education Code, Chapter 62, Subchapter E. Institutions report on expenditures from these funds (Research Reports, Policies, and Resources).

Eligible institutions: research universities

TRUF provides funds to Texas’ research universities with total research expenditures above $450 million. TRUF supports faculty to ensure excellence in instruction and research. The distribution of funds is based on a three-year average of total research expenditures. The program purpose is outlined in Texas Education Code, Chapter 62, Subchapter C.

Competitive Research Funds

Autism Grant Program

State appropriations provide grant support for autism research centers at institutions of higher education, which currently provide evidence-based behavioral services and training.

Learn more about the Autism Grant Programhyperlink to fast program page

Contact

Inquiries regarding research funding in Texas should be sent to THECB Research Team.

Email THECB Research Teamhyperlink to fast program page