Research Universities: America’s Competitive Advantage
Our 73 member research universities deliver breakthroughs that improve our nation's economy, security, and health. Since WWII, federal investments in university research have fueled American prosperity and might.
Our Members Are Engines of Innovation
4,516
Startup companies formed by AAU members over the years that, as of 2024, are still basing their business on the university technology
4,963
U.S. patents issued in 2024 based on groundbreaking university research, opening the door to new products and technologies
592
Startup companies created in 2024 alone as a direct result of new scientific discoveries made by research universities
Latest News From AAU
Massive National Coalition Urges Congress to Stop Agencies’ Attempts to Circumvent Lawmakers on Changes to Federal Grantmaking
- Leading Research Universities Report
Democrats Win Congress, But the Path Forward for Science Remains Uncertain
- Leading Research Universities Report
AAU University-Led Teams Win Awards to Advance Defense Research
- Leading Research Universities Report
AAU Urges Treasury Department to Withdraw Proposal to Revoke Tax-Exempt Status of Certain Schools
- Leading Research Universities Report
FY26 Research Funding Trends Reveal Ongoing Uncertainty for U.S. Science
- Leading Research Universities Report
University Scientists at the Forefront of Directed-Energy Weapons Research
- Articles
OMB's Proposed Rule on Federal Grants Rests on Shaky Legal Ground
- Leading Research Universities Report
Our Federal Policy Advocacy Priorities
We advocate for federal investment in university education, which provides the homegrown, high-skilled workforce of tomorrow. This keeps our nation prosperous and competitive.
We advocate for policies that attract the brightest minds and best ideas from around the globe to our nation’s research universities for the benefit of the American people.
We advocate for federal investment in financial aid that ensures students from all backgrounds have access to a world-class education.
We advocate for federal investment in university research that saves lives, helps our military, creates new businesses, and strengthens our economy.
We advocate for policies that improve the effectiveness, integrity, and security of federally-funded university research, while protecting our system of open science.
We advocate for tax policies that promote charitable giving, support university research, and help make high-quality education more affordable for students and families
Latest Research and Impact Stories from AAU Members
For the Tiniest Patients, New USC Tech Brings Clearer MRI Images
University of Southern California
Researchers Use AI, Digital Twin Tech To Make Air Travel More Efficient, Resilient
University of Florida
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Take a closer look at the ways we support research universities.
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