BALTIMORE — Morgan State University is making waves in the research world. For the first time in its 158-year history, it has secured over $100 million in sponsored research commitments in a single fiscal year. Specifically, Morgan achieved a remarkable $104.4 million for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), marking an 18% increase from the $88.5 million it received in FY24.
This milestone is significant for Morgan, a leader among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and designated as Maryland’s Public Urban Research University. The achievement aligns with its goal of reaching R1 status—a badge of honor for institutions with very high research activity. David K. Wilson, president of Morgan, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating that it positions the university to better tackle critical societal challenges and support its students and communities.
Recent statistics underscore this upward trend. Morgan’s research funding has tripled since 2021, consistently securing over $75 million annually for the past four years. This shift highlights a focused strategy on faculty development, improved research infrastructure, and strategic partnerships.
Willie E. May, Ph.D., vice president for Research and Economic Development, pointed out that the diversity and relevance of Morgan’s research portfolio have expanded significantly. For instance, the university is currently enhancing its contributions to urban health, engineering, and climate science through various federal and state partnerships. More than $22.5 million in new NASA grants alone emphasizes Morgan’s growing role in space and atmospheric science.
One notable initiative is its Urban Health Disparities Research and Innovation Center, backed by nearly $21 million from the National Institutes of Health. This project aims to unravel chronic disease issues affecting urban populations.
Furthermore, Morgan has created programs to attract and mentor diverse talent in nuclear engineering and thermoelectric materials, laying the groundwork for careers in national security and clean energy innovation. With $1 million from the Department of Defense, researchers are exploring ways to convert heat into usable electricity.
The university’s successes didn’t happen overnight. Plans made in 2018 focused on hitting annual goals for research commitments, and exceeding those expectations now sets a precedent. Of the 271 proposals submitted in FY25, 161 were funded, translating to almost a 60% success rate—a notable achievement in the competitive landscape of research funding.
Social media reactions to these developments have been largely positive. Many students and alumni have taken to platforms like Twitter and Instagram to celebrate Morgan’s accomplishments, showcasing pride in their university’s advancing status. This sense of community and pride can fuel further momentum for the university’s initiatives.
As Morgan State University continues on its path toward becoming a leading research institution, it’s clear that commitment, strategy, and community will be at the heart of its future successes. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.
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Federal Funding Commitments, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NASA, GESTAR, National Institutes of Health, RCMI@Morgan, National Nuclear Security Administration, Scholarly Partnership in Nuclear Engineering, SPINE, Department of Energy, Triad National Security, Coast-Urban-Rural Atmospheric Gradient Experiment, CoURAGE, National Science Foundation, Center of Research Excellence in Science and Technology, CREST, Department of Defense
