Institutional Research Investments:A Primer on F&A and Research Activity Reporting

This presentation offers a foundational overview of institutional research investments, focusing on the Higher Education Research & Development (HERD) Survey, Facilities & Administrative (F&A) costs, and research expenditure reporting. It explores the relationship between institutional funding, F&A recovery, and total research expenditures across U.S. institutions, highlighting disparities between top-ranked and emerging research institutions. Using historical trends and benchmarks, the presentation clarifies key metrics used to assess research capacity and institutional investment. Designed for research development professionals, this primer supports strategic decision-making and advocacy for resource allocation to strengthen research infrastructure and performance reporting across higher education institutions.