Texas State University posts record research growth, enters new era of impact

In fiscal year 2025, Texas State University posted record research spending. Total research expenditures at the university exceeded $183 million, the strongest research year in the university's history, and a sign of continued growth across federal, private and industry-funded projects. 

Innovation accelerated as well. Patent applications increased by 147%, patents issued rose 33% and license income grew 90%. Altogether, TXST researchers are increasing innovation, winning larger federal awards, submitting more competitive proposals and translating results into practical applications. 

“This milestone reflects the caliber of our research community of faculty and students who are asking important questions and delivering solutions that matter,” said Kelly Damphousse, president of Texas State University.

This growth answers the call from the Texas Legislature and from voters across the state: Texans approved Proposition 5 in 2023 and established the $3.9 billion Texas University Fund (TUF). In doing so, Texans sent a strong message about the power of research to translate public investment into concrete outcomes.

Federal and private research spending and doctoral degree graduate rates increased so much that TXST became eligible for a full share of the TUF. Both metrics passed critical thresholds set in state law. A full share allows the university to pursue ambitious plans and invest with long-term intent. 

With a strong tailwind, TXST is taking the bold next step to recruit national leaders in five research areas that the state and nation need— artificial intelligence, semiconductors, dementia and aging, water and conservation, and the digital humanities. Together, these investments exceed $300 million and provide support for faculty, facilities, and interdisciplinary work. 

“Texas State has made a strong, sustained commitment to supporting researchers from proposal development to discovery and translation,” says Shreek Mandayam, Ph.D., vice president for research at TXST. 

“By strengthening support for research activity across campus, Texas State is shaping a future defined by innovation and leadership in fields critical to society and the economy.”

The timing couldn’t be better. Texas is now the 8th largest economy in the world, and state leaders have made research, talent, and innovation central to long-term economic growth. These aims are furthered by TXST’s expansion of research, which transforms public investment into skilled graduates, new knowledge, and solutions that meet real needs across the state and in the country.

Students reap clear benefits from research, such as partnering with faculty on sponsored research, gaining hands-on experience in advanced labs and developing professional networks that carry into the workforce. Thanks to these experiences, students step into high-demand jobs in Texas industries after graduating.

But the gains also ripple out beyond campus. The state’s research spending from fiscal years 2020 to 2024 supported more than 1,200 vendors across the country, including 546 Texas-based businesses that partnered with TXST on research totaling $42.8 million. Of those, 354 were small businesses with research-related spending that totaled more than $10.8 million. Research at TXST directly contributes to job creation and regional economic development. Communities are reaping the benefits of growing businesses and innovation driven by university research.

Altogether, the results amount to more than just one record year. As TXST research thrives, Texas produces a stronger workforce and more innovation. The nation and the world gain new ideas, new technologies, and new strategies to solve complex problems. 

TXST is showing what can happen with sustained effort, public trust, and a clear purpose. The growth is real. The trajectory is clear. And the work continues.