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Division of Research & Economic Development

The Division of Research and Economic Development works closely with university researchers, business leaders and other sponsors to promote faculty expertise aimed at solving real-world problems in society and industry. The university has positioned itself as a leader in agriculture and precision agriculture, remote sensing and life sciences. The research enterprise also capitalizes on expertise in digital technology related to agriculture and resource management.

The precision agriculture initiative brings together experts from computer science, statistics, engineering, remote sensing and agriculture, as well as industry partners to increase the profitability and the sustainability of agriculture.

  • Research expenditures increased by more than $4 million from $63.5 million in fiscal year 2018 to $67.6 million in fiscal year 2019. This 6.5% increase moves the university closer to its Imagine 2023 goal of increasing research productivity by 40%.
  • SDSU ranked 182nd for total research and development expenditures in 2019, according to the National Science Foundation. 

Division of Research & Economic Development News

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Fossil records can help with future conservation efforts

Using the past to predict the future can potentially help researchers with animal conservation efforts, explains Rachel Short, an assistant professor in the Department of Natural Resource Management at South Dakota State University.  ...

SDSU Poll explores trust in physicians, COVID-19 booster shots

The COVID-19 pandemic is three years old, and two researchers at South Dakota State University have begun exploring the prevailing effects of the 21st century's defining event thus far.  ...

College of Nursing receives grant to increase number of qualified nurse preceptors

South Dakota State University's College of Nursing is partnering with Montana State University through a four-year, nearly $4 million grant to increase the number of skilled, qualified clinical nursing faculty and preceptors in the region. ...