Value of Research
Support Colorado's students. Protect university research.
To win the future for families, workers and businesses, Coloradans need students to continue exploring their research interests—full steam ahead.
The next great scientists, inventors, thinkers and makers are at CU Boulder. Here, students are empowered to pursue their passions. Under the guidance of expert research faculty and researchers, they participate in groundbreaking research, often having their work published and gaining opportunities to present at conferences.
But the impact of that research stretches far beyond supporting students in realizing their potential. Colorado’s economy has grown 78.6% since 2011 and ranks eighth nationally. And thanks in part to research done by students and faculty at CU Boulder, our strong local economy is still growing. CU Boulder research activities contributed $1.4 billion to the Colorado economy in 2023-2024—a return on the investment in university research of nearly 90%.
This year, the pace of growth in federal funding for research at CU Boulder has tapered due to ongoing cuts or funding pauses by agencies.
University research in Colorado creates the next generation of scientists aspiring to develop technological advancements that not only power jobs and our economy, but also directly affect the health and well-being of Coloradans.
Support their growth and the positive impact of their research.
University policy requires that personal advocacy efforts by employees be done on personal time, outside of university work time, and without the use of university resources that include—but are not limited to—university computers, printers and other devices, email or other university platforms, office supplies, and other university resources. In addition, employees and students are not authorized to express the university’s position on issues of social and political concern but may express their own opinions as individuals and in compliance with law and policy.