LANSING, Mich. – Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M), an alliance of Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, today released new analyses from the Institute for Research on Innovation and Science (IRIS) detailing the significant employment, spending and economic impact generated by research conducted at Michigan’s R1 universities.
The new IRIS report shows that in fiscal year 2024, federal and non-federal research funding at RU4M universities supported 28,663 individuals, including students, faculty, post-graduate researchers and staff. Students accounted for 43% of those supported by research funding, while faculty accounted for 18%, underscoring the role of research in developing Michigan’s talent pipeline.
Research activity at RU4M universities also generated substantial economic activity across the nation and in Michigan. In 2024, federal and non-federal research at RU4M universities generated nearly $280 million in spending, benefiting vendors in every region of the state. Washtenaw County led the state with more than $117.8 million in research-related purchases, while Michigan’s 6th Congressional District received more than $119 million, the highest total of any district statewide.
The IRIS findings complement newly released economic impact data that show the broader scale of RU4M universities’ contributions to Michigan’s economy. According to an independent analysis by Anderson Economic Group, RU4M universities generated $35.8 billion in net new economic activity statewide in fiscal year 2024 — more than 35 times the state’s annual appropriation to the universities.
That activity supported more than 100,000 jobs statewide, generated $4.2 billion in state tax revenue, and included $3.46 billion in academic research activity largely funded by federal and industry sources outside Michigan. RU4M universities’ alumni living and working in Michigan contributed an additional $13 billion in net new economic impact.
Together, the data underscore the critical role Michigan’s R1 universities play in strengthening the state’s economy, workforce and competitiveness, and in connecting Michigan to global research and innovation networks.
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About Research Universities for Michigan
Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M) is an alliance of Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University and is the leading engine for innovation in Michigan and the Great Lakes region. RU4M is focused on increasing economic prosperity and connecting Michigan to the world. For more information, visit miresearchuniversities.org.
About the Institute for Research on Innovation & Science (IRIS)
IRIS is a national consortium of research universities creating trusted independent data about the impact of research. Founded in 2015, IRIS is anchored by an IRB-approved data repository hosted at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research. IRIS collects administrative data from its members to produce reports and data products that improve our ability to understand, explain, and improve the public value of research. The 2024 IRIS UMETRICS Dataset is available for researchers and contains data from more than 100 campuses nationwide. Learn more about IRIS at iris.isr.umich.edu.
