The University of Georgia climbed seven spots to No. 54 among all U.S. universities, colleges and research institutions in the latest National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Development rankings.

"This is dramatic progress," said Vice President for Research David Lee. "Institutions normally rise or fall in these rankings a spot or two at a time."

In the new rankings, which reflect fiscal year 2016, UGA's total research expenditures reached $410 million, up from $374 million and a ranking of 61st the year before. UGA also advanced on the basis of federally supported research expenditures, ranking 79th with $144 million, up eight spots from the prior year. Data for fiscal year 2017 show continued growth in research activity, with $458 million in total research and development expenditures-an increase of 12 percent over fiscal year 2016.

"Our significant growth in grant-funded expenditures signals the University of Georgia's role as one of America's great research universities," said Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Pamela Whitten. "More importantly, it enables our faculty members to play an even greater role in advancing health, security and sustainability, and economic vitality."

Whitten attributed the university's jump in research expenditures to the dedication of existing faculty and strategic investments that include Presidential Faculty Hiring Initiatives. The university also has enhanced grant support services for faculty, including integrating and improving operations for Sponsored Projects Administration and establishing the Office for Proposal Enhancement.

"The credit for this tremendous success goes to our outstanding faculty," said President Jere W. Morehead. "Because of their hard work and dedication, this institution is expanding its capacity to help solve the grand challenges of our time. This ranking is yet another signal of UGA's rise in national prominence."

At UGA and other research institutions, federal agencies comprise the single largest source of research funding. HERD is the primary source of information on research and development expenditures at U.S. colleges and universities. The survey is an annual census that collects information on research and development expenditures by field of research and source of funds and also gathers information on types of research and head counts of personnel.