February 26, 2025
Spotlight on Institute for Research on Innovation & Science
The Institute for Research on Innovation & Science (IRIS) is a consortium of research universities using administrative data to understand and explain the public value of research universities.
IRIS reports pull back the curtain on the resources and expertise universities need to fuel discovery and innovation. Whether by purchasing equipment, hiring contractors, or training early career researchers, universities are a source of everyday economic and social benefits to communities in nearly every congressional district in the country.
According to the FY2024 All IRIS Spending Report, IRIS members:
- Activated a broad scientific workforce:
- Sponsored research projects at all IRIS member universities employed nearly 105,000 people
- 45.3% of individuals supported by research funding were students and 20% were faculty
- Were able to employ researchers with funding from federal agencies:
- NIH awards were responsible for supporting 31% (38,800+) of research-funded employees at IRIS members
- Purchased research-related goods and services, which benefitted vendors and subawardees throughout the country:
- Transactions with vendors contributed more than $2.3 billion to the national economy
- Research spending benefited 2,005 counties and 433 congressional districts.
For more information, read Insights from the FY2024 All IRIS Spending Report
