Iowa State University FY26 non-federal research funding overview

Iowa State attracted $87.5 million in research funding from non-federal sponsors during the 2026 fiscal year, down 2.6% compared to FY25.

The funding from industry and corporate sponsors (combined, U.S. and foreign) is one of the true bright spots in Iowa State external research funding in FY26. The university received $32.8 million, up 47.5% compared to FY25. Iowa State also experienced an uptick in funding from commodity group sources in FY26. The nearly $6.7 million received was 4.9% more than the $6.4 million received in FY25.

“Funding from non-federal sources is vital to the ongoing success of our research enterprise,” said Vice President for Research, Peter Dorhout. “These partnerships – whether with industry, commodity groups, foundations, or state agencies – give our research focus that drives the discovery and development of solutions geared to the meet real-world needs of the public.”

Here are just a few notable new projects that received funding from non-federal sponsors for the first time in FY26 . . .

National STEM Teacher Corps Pilot Program: Midwest Alliance for Rural Elementary Science

Lead Investigator: Kristina Maruyama Tank, School of Education

Sponsor: University of Northern Iowa (UNI)

Award Amount: $558,278; five-year project, all funds awarded

The Midwest Alliance of the National STEM Teacher Corps, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), supports rural elementary science education in Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota. Iowa State is a subcontractor to UNI in this project in which 18 teacher leaders will collaborate with university faculty to design STEM learning environments and study how literacy‑rich teaching boosts achievement. Starting in year two, these educators will join regular training, attend national conferences, and lead rural outreach to improve science instruction and long‑term student success.

Finding NEMO: AI-based Exploration of Molecules for Nickel Enzyme Methanogenesis Obstruction

Lead Investigator: Ratul Chowdhury, Nanovaccine Institute     

Sponsor: Gerstner Philanthropies, supporting the Global Methane Hub

Award amount: $795,012; two-year project, all funds awarded

The Global Methane Hub brings together global experts to find solutions to reduce methane worldwide. Ratul Chowdhury and his Iowa State team are using AI to design and test safe, easy‑to‑make molecules that cut methane in cattle without disrupting their digestion. As the system learns, it will improve its predictions. The first‑year goal is to find at least one new compound beyond existing options, showing AI can open new paths for methane reduction.

Investigating Oxythermal Dynamics in Iowa Reservoirs

Lead Investigator: Thomas Detmer, Natural Resource Ecology and Management    

Sponsor: Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Award amount: $561,151; 3.5-year project, all funds awarded

Nutrient runoff, aging infrastructure, and warmer summers are straining Iowa’s reservoirs, causing the release of phosphorus from sediment, algal blooms, and even fish kills. Thomas Detmer’s team will combine modeling, field measurements, sensors, and fish‑tracking tags to understand why some lakes keep releasing phosphorus even after restoration. The results will help the state target problem areas and plan stronger, longer‑lasting restoration projects that improve water quality and habitat.

An Integrated Approach to Improve Whole Herd Pig Survivability 2.0

Lead Investigator: David Rosero, Animal Science     

Sponsor: Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR)

Award amount: $750,000; two-year project, all funds awarded

The U.S. pork industry needs higher pig survivability to meet rising demand. This new FFAR‑funded project, led by Iowa State’s David Rosero and Joel DeRouchey of Kansas State University, builds on earlier national work by targeting four areas: reducing sow‑farm mortality; improving preweaning care; strengthening wean‑to‑finish management; and expanding extension programs. The effort combines research, student training, communications, and open funding opportunities to advance long‑term pig livability.