Boise State tops NIH-funding in Idaho, leading research and job growth

Professor Cheryl Jorcyk, the principal investigator of a five-year $10 million grant to establish a clinical and translational research development program for the state. Photo by Carrie Quinney

According to an economic impact analysis completed by United for Medical Research, Boise State University led Idaho in fiscal year 2025 as the top National Institutes of Health award recipient. The National Institutes of Health awarded $30.1 million in grants and contracts to Idaho institutions.

Boise State's awards and contracts - which accounted for half of all National Institutes awards to Idaho institutions - brought $62 million in economic impact and 300 jobs to the state.

Example awards to Boise State included a five-year $10 million grant to establish a clinical and translational research development program for the state, a Small Business Technology Transfer subaward with Pearlhill Technology (an Idaho based startup) to explore cost-effective PFAS detection and treatment technology, an $8 million award to create a hub for human movement studies, and a National Institutes of Health Maximizing Investigators' Research Award -the first of its kind to be awarded to an Idaho lab - to investigate molecules that inhibit communication between bacteria.

NIH-award winning Professor Rajesh Nagarajan (center) with his team of researchers.

"This recognition reflects years of strategic investment in Boise State's research initiatives," said Vice President for Research and Economic Development Nancy Glenn. "Every dollar of NIH funding that comes to Boise State multiplies across the Idaho economy, supporting local industry, creating skilled jobs, and ultimately producing the discoveries that improve quality of life for people across our state."

As the nation's medical research agency, the National Institutes of Health funding at Boise State advances basic and applied biomedical science while providing hands-on research experiences for students. This support also drives the purchase of supplies and equipment from local Idaho businesses.

The economic ripple effect of these awards strengthens Idaho's economy by supporting regional suppliers and creating employment opportunities across the state.

NIH award-winning co-principle investigator Erin Mannen in the BABI lab. Photo by John Kelly

For Boise State students, this research funding translates into valuable learning experiences, career pathways, and preparation for Idaho's evolving workforce. Ultimately, the research conducted by Boise State faculty and students leads to innovations that improve quality of life for Idaho residents.

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