The University of Utah has announced that its research funding reached $691 million in fiscal year 2024 (FY24), which concluded June 30, 2024.

The funding achievement marks the fifth consecutive year the university has secured funding levels exceeding $600 million. The year’s total continues the impressive trend established by previous milestones of $600 million in 2020 and $500 million in 2018.

As a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, the U is known for its broad spectrum of disciplines and studies. The fiscal year’s funding supports groundbreaking initiatives from multiple fields, including energy research, rural healthcare, environmental studies, artificial intelligence, cancer treatment, mental health support, technological innovation, and more.

“The University of Utah’s status as an R1 institution reflects our extensive portfolio, which spans from creative arts and healthcare to air quality and the Great Salt Lake,” said Erin Rothwell, vice president for research at the University of Utah. “As the state’s flagship university, we strive to tackle critical research needs and solutions that benefit Utahns and communities across the state.”

Research funding by the numbers

In total, U researchers were awarded more than 2,600 grants in FY24. The federal government remains the primary source of this funding, contributing 65% of the total research portfolio, with industry accounting for 14% and 8% from partner universities. Of the $691 million in research funding, $489 million was provided by federal sponsors including the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Veteran Affairs, state governmententities, and other key agencies.

U research impacts society’s most pressing challenges and issues

Through award funding, the university’s research community is implementing meaningful advancements that make a real-world impact. The dollars behind the achievement will support critical studies to develop new treatments and prevention for addiction, chronic pain, and depression. Additionally, the funding is advancing research aimed at safeguarding power grids and electricity during extreme weather events, improving maternal health care and reducing pregnancy-related deaths, and enhancing memory and cognition for those suffering fromneurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. The university’s research funding from sponsors is crucial for finding solutions to both local and global challenges.

U research is a major economic engine for the state of Utah

In pursuit of impactful solutions for society, the U’s research activities extend beyond academic advancement. U research is also a major catalyst for economic development and growth within the state. In FY24, more than 7,500 university employees were compensated through research dollars, which have contributed more than $850 million in wages over the past four years.

In addition to supporting jobs, the U’s research expenditures totaled $33 million in Utah, supporting numerous vendors and local businesses within the state and $155 million across the U.S.

“The University of Utah is committed to leading in research, discovery, and innovation that transform lives and drive economic growth,” said Taylor Randall, president of the university. “Our FY24 funding milestone reflects the dedication of our researchers, students, and staff tackling today’s most pressing challenges. Together, we are advancing knowledge, strengthening Utah’s economy, and enhancing the quality of life in our communities and beyond.”

FCS opponent or not, it’s hard to argue with a 49-0 shutout.

In its season-opening win over Southern Utah, quarterback Cam Rising returned to Rice-Eccles Stadium and threw for 254 yards and a career-high five touchdowns in just one half, running back Dijon Stanley had 150 receiving yards and two touchdowns and tight end Brant Kuithe, in his return, had three touchdowns.

The Utes finished the first half with a 35-0 lead and 339 yards of total offense with the first-stringers in for the first two quarters.

There is always something for every college football team to improve on each week, and this week, the Utes are looking to make strides in the ground game.

Utah entered the season without a clear lead running back, and after the win over the Thunderbirds, that’s still the case.

“I think exactly what we anticipated going into the game would be by committee, we wouldn’t really have an RB1, and right now we’re in the same boat, which is not a bad thing,” Whittingham said.

Micah Bernard got the first carries of the game and rushed for 33 yards on five carries (6.6 yards per carry), Mike Mitchell had 21 yards on six carries (3.5 ypc) and Jaylon Glover had 15 yards on four carries (3.75 ypc).

Stanley had an impressive performance — in addition to his two receiving touchdowns, Stanley had 34 yards on six carries — and while the Utes will continue to use him and expand his package of plays, Whittingham said that he’s not ready yet to make the jump to an “every-down back.”

All three players in the primary running back trio had their moments — Bernard had a team-high 16-yard-rush, Mitchell had a key fourth-down conversion and a touchdown (though he did fumble, but recovered it), and Glover had a 14-yard run (but was stuffed on his three other carries).

“I was pleased with Mike Mitchell, what he showed. Obviously, Dijon Stanley out the backfield as a receiver and also running the ball, did some good things. Got a lot of faith and confidence in Micah Bernard, Charlie Vincent and Jaylon Glover, and I think the O-line is really going to be something special for this football team,” offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig said.

The Utes rushed for 185 yards against Southern Utah, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Whittingham said on Monday that he thought Utah ran the ball “just OK” and that he’d like to see that stat improve to over five yards per carry.

Against Utah, Southern Utah frequently stacked the box, limiting Utah’s running ability but setting up one-on-one oppunrtunies elsewhere on the field. Time after time, the Utes exploited those matchups, leading to multiple wide-open touchdowns from Stanley and Kuithe.

“It was a throw-first game plan. I thought we ran the ball efficiently there,” Ludwig said.

Indeed, in the first half, Utah threw the ball 17 times compared to 12 designed running plays, but the play calls were in part in response to Southern Utah’s defensive scheme.

In order for the Utes’ offense to take the next step, they need more production from the run game, and that should start this week. Utah could very well end up with a positive pass/run split when Saturday’s game is over, but Baylor won’t stack the box nearly as often as Southern Utah did, and the Utes will have an opportunity to get their ground game going more than they did in the season opener. With a credible passing threat, unlike last year, things should open up a bit and Utah’s running backs should see more success this season.

While the Utes have stuck with a running-back-by-committee approach a few times in Whittingham era, the majority of the time, a lead running back has emerged. Saturday’s game against Baylor could be key for Utah to really begin nailing down the pecking order in the backfield.

Introducing the voice of the Utah Hockey Club, Matt McConnell.

If you followed the Arizona Coyotes, you’ll be used to him — he did the same job in Arizona. McConnell will be joined in the booth by former NHL forward Dominic Moore and former Seattle Kraken broadcaster Nick Olczyk.

Kim Becker and Sarah Merrifield will also join the team: Becker as a studio host and Merrifield as a rinkside reporter.

Who is Matt McConnell?

This is not the first time McConnell has been the first play-by-play voice of a new franchise. In fact, it’s not even his second time. He started with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in their inaugural season of 1993 and then moved on to the Atlanta Thrashers when they joined the league in 1999.

McConnell has also covered the Minnesota Wild in addition to calling the 2009 World Junior Championships, college hockey and a number of other sports.

He is a faculty associate at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Who is Dominic Moore?

Dominic Moore fell two games shy of 1,000 in his playing career, combining regular-season and playoff games. During that time, the Thornhill, Ontario, native played for 10 teams, scoring 106 goals and 282 points in the regular season.

He’s the third Harvard alumnus in the Utah ranks, joining forward Alex Kerfoot and defenseman John Marino.

Moore has spent the last three seasons as a studio analyst with ESPN and NBC.

The most triumphant moment of Moore’s playing career came when he scored the game-winning goal to send his New York Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014. He did it just months after the death of his wife, Katie, who had battled cancer for nine months.

Who is Nick Olczyk?

Nick Olczyk is leaving the family business to come to Utah as an analyst. He previously worked as a color commentator covering the Seattle Kraken. His father, Eddie Olczyk, covers the Kraken as a play-by-play announcer. His brother, Eddie Olczyk III, is a scout for the team and his uncle, Rick Olczyk, is an assistant general manager.

As a player, Nick Olczyk played in the USHL, the USPHL, the NAHL and Division I of the NCAA.

Who is Kim Becker?

Kim Becker spent almost a decade traveling the world and performing with Disney on Ice. She was a competitive figure skater growing up. She has spent the years since as a host for the Colorado Rockies, the Denver Broncos, the University of Arizona football program, Altitude TV and Sports Illustrated.

Who is Sarah Merrifield?

As a sideline reporter for Bally Sports, Sarah Merrifield has covered the Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers and Dallas Mavericks. She has four regional Emmys. She graduated from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.