FIU Celebrates Half a Century of Research

Looking Ahead to the Next 50 Years

Florida International University opened its doors to students in 1972, 50 years ago. This year, as university leaders discussed how best to celebrate the historic milestone, it became clear that any efforts must recognize the university’s research program. As Miami’s only Carnegie-designated R1 very high research activity public university, we are focused on making a real impact in education and research. We are defined by our proven record of student success, the continued growth of our groundbreaking research, and incredible return on investment.

FIU’s remarkable research growth is driven by the intellect and curiosity of our researchers and students. The success and sustained growth of our research program are key factors in FIU’s Top 75 ranking among public universities. This progress is reflected by FIU’s rank among the Top 10 public R1 universities for research expenditure growth in the last decade. In the past five years, FIU has seen $1 billion in research expenditures, and $282 million in the 21-22 fiscal year alone. For the 2023 fiscal year, the Florida Congressional delegation helped FIU secure $24 million in research earmarks for projects in key fields. FIU researchers have also received top-notch grants. For example, the Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC) was recently awarded its third round of funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

FIU’s areas of research excellence include but are not limited to environmental resilience, brain health, childhood mental health, cybersecurity, disaster mitigation, forensics, health disparities, Latin American studies, technology innovation and STEM education. Our researchers are committed to finding innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing our society today. Designated a University of Distinction in Environmental Resilience by the Florida Board of Governors, FIU scientists tackle environmental crises that devastate ecosystems and threaten natural resources. From working to identify effective interventions that reduce health disparities to improving outcomes to devastating diseases such as childhood cancer and Alzheimer’s, FIU researchers are making an impact locally and globally.

In honor of a half-century of FIU research, we created a 50 facts for 50 years brochure about our research program. Rather than a look back, this piece was intentionally designed to look forward. We invite you to download the publication, which is not a comprehensive report but rather a glimpse into FIU’s areas of research excellence. In April 2023, the university will publish a new research magazine. This annual publication will feature in-depth reporting about the people and research that have helped drive FIU’s rise in the rankings of America’s public institutions of higher education.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with FIU’s research program, we hope the brochure and magazine pique your interest to learn more about the people and projects behind the university’s robust research program. To colleagues who are already familiar with FIU’s research program, we hope these pieces remind you of the depth and breadth of our innovation and discovery.