Science and engineering research space at the nation’s research-performing colleges and universities increased 3.5% from fiscal year (FY) 2009 to FY 2011, growing to 202.9 million net assignable square feet (NASF), according to recent data from the National Science Foundation’s Survey of Science and Engineering Research Facilities.
The biological and biomedical sciences (54.3 million NASF in FY 2011) continued to account for the bulk of growth, increasing by 8.0% during the same time period. This follows a 12.3% increase for this field from FY 2007 to FY 2009. Doctorate-granting institutions experienced net growth in research space, whereas non-doctorate granting institutions saw a decline in research space from FY 2009 to FY 2011.
Survey of Science and Engineering Research Facilities
Source: National Science Foundation