UNO Research Funding Hits Record $42.5 Million

Omaha students gain access to more research-linked awards as UNO's grant funding reaches a new high.

Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Scholarships

UNO Research Funding Hits Record $42.5 Million

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Should government agencies keep funding university research at current levels?

The University of Nebraska at Omaha reported $42.5 million in research funding for 2025-26, its fourth consecutive year above $40 million and a new record that surpasses the previous high of $42 million set in 2022-23. Students and families in Omaha will see the university's expanding research and grant activity as part of its growing student-award pipeline.

Why it matters

The total reflects grant awards from 94 unique sponsors, including 14 federal agencies and eight state agencies, which signals how much outside funding supports the university's research programs. For students considering UNO, sustained grant activity points to a broader base of research opportunities and student awards.

UNO's total of $42.5 million exceeds its previous record of $42 million set in 2022-23 and marks the fourth straight year above $40 million. The Office of Research and Creative Activity awarded 248 student awards totaling more than $746,000.

The players

University of Nebraska at Omaha

A public university in Omaha, Nebraska, whose research office distributes grant-funded student awards.

National Science Foundation

A federal agency that funds university research and awarded UNO $8 million for the Nebraska Center for 3D Innovation.

Nebraska Department of Transportation

A state agency that awarded UNO nearly $1 million to study safer traffic stops.

The details

Research funding reaches UNO through grant awards from sponsors that include federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation and state agencies such as the Nebraska Department of Transportation. The university's Office of Research and Creative Activity distributes a share of this money to students as individual awards. Recent projects include an $8 million National Science Foundation award to establish the Nebraska Center for 3D Innovation, a hub for research, education and industry partnerships in 3D-printed healthcare technology, and a grant to develop methods for protecting drones from cyberattacks.

2022-23: UNO set a previous research funding record of $42 million.
2025-26: UNO reported a record $42.5 million in research funding.

Education Landscape

UNO's 2025-26 total surpasses its own record from 2022-23 and extends a four-year run above $40 million. This pattern shows the university's grant activity growing steadily rather than in a single spike.

Students at UNO may find more research-linked awards available as grant funding grows, so it is worth asking the Office of Research and Creative Activity which student awards are currently open. Questions about eligibility or how to apply are best directed to the university's financial-aid or research office.

The takeaway

UNO's steady growth in research funding suggests more opportunities for students to join funded projects and earn awards. Students interested in these awards can ask the university's Office of Research and Creative Activity about current opportunities and deadlines.