The partnership established by the federal government and universities to support high-level research has been a success story for our country.

That investment has produced a return — measured in technology, innovation and the nurturing of generations of scientific leaders — that has positioned the United States as a global leader across nearly every industry.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln contributes to this progress by pursuing world-class research as a core part of its land grant mission. Our research outcomes drive economic growth in the state and region and are shared directly with Nebraskans through Nebraska Extension and other outreach.

It’s important to highlight this success as federal support for higher education and university research faces growing scrutiny. Cuts to research funding, freezes on active projects, and delays in grant reviews put America’s global leadership at risk and weaken our ability to drive innovation and economic growth.

This partnership for research developed in World War II and expanded during the Cold War, the space race and the rise of biomedical research on cancer and other diseases. Universities became leaders in research and innovation with the establishment of the National Science Foundation, the growth of the National Institutes of Health and the creation of NASA and other technology-focused government agencies.

States and universities shared in scientific advancement by investing federal and state funding in the infrastructure and facilities to conduct cutting-edge research. These investments helped train future scientists, ensuring continued expansion of technological advancements.

This research partnership is a source of strength for the U.S., enabling us to dominate in entrepreneurial activity stemming from ongoing discoveries and technological advancement.

Research in agriculture and natural resources has been a central part of this partnership since 1887, when the Hatch Act established a framework for state agricultural experiment stations at public land grant institutions. This legislation provided federal

funding to land grant universities, matched by the states, to conduct research on agriculture and support the health and welfare of rural populations.

The USDA, through programs in its National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), has expanded this research support, providing our producers and communities with science-based practices that deliver on the original promise of the 1887 legislation.

In Nebraska, that landmark legislation has delivered tangible progress in agricultural productivity through practices and technology based on NU research in agriculture and natural resources. Our corn and soybean producers have reduced their pesticide costs and yield losses, thanks to the university’s research and development of crops engineered for traits like insect resistance, herbicide tolerance and drought tolerance.

Our researchers have been leaders in developing precision agriculture technologies and tools — including GPS-guided equipment, yield monitors and variable rate technology for irrigation and fertilization.

The cattle industry has a long, productive history in Nebraska, and producers in the state continue to be leaders in the use of innovative approaches. NU research focusing on cattle nutrition has demonstrated the value of feeding ethanol coproducts to beef

and dairy cattle, a research output that benefits major sectors of our state’s economy.

Research in beef cattle genetics provides cattle breed associations with valuable information for the selection of desirable traits and increased profitability.

These are just a few examples of how University of Nebraska research is delivering real-world benefits for producers and communities. From crop resilience to livestock efficiency, our work is rooted in science and designed for impact. These efforts exemplify the value of sustained investment in research — investment that keeps Nebraska agriculture strong.

The research partnership between universities and the federal government has been vital for American competitiveness and prosperity. The reduction of federal funding for research is not just a problem for our university. It is a problem for America’s status as a global leader in innovation.

Other countries are not standing still. Every year we have a reduction in research funding, we risk losing ground to our competitors.

To continue to advance, we must continue in our global leadership role and invest in all aspects of research and discovery. We lead by focusing on our mission and innovative thinking. Supporting research funding is essential for a bright future for our state and

nation.

Derek McLean is dean of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Agricultural Research Division.

This story was published by Nebraska Examiner, an editorially independent newsroom providing a hard-hitting, daily flow of news. Read the original article: https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/06/27/federal-support-for-university-research-is-a-success-story-for-our-country/

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