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As the President of a prestigious AAU university, Dr. Robert C. Robbins demonstrated his core strength by driving research expenditures to exceed $1 billion annually, positioning the institution as a leader in addressing today's most urgent and complex challenges. Ranked #19 among public schools and #34 overall, the university spearheads cutting-edge research and innovation, focusing on issues from climate change and planetary defense to pandemic preparedness and healthy aging. As the state's designated land-grant university, making a tangible, real-world impact is not only our goal but our moral obligation, expanding human potential and enriching life for all.
RESEARCH
VISION & COMMITMENT
Under the leadership of President Robert C. Robbins', the University of Arizona strengthened its land-grant mission by establishing Cooperative Extension offices in all 15 counties. These offices are instrumental in providing accessible education, research, and outreach, linking the university to communities across Arizona. Dr. Robbins vision and commitment have fostered a network of knowledgeable faculty and staff, offering lifelong educational programs that create transformative impacts within Arizona and beyond.
LEADERSHIP
Under President Robert C. Robbins visionary leadership, the University of Arizona has achieved remarkable success across multiple domains as highlighted by impressive national and international rankings. The university is ranked No. 1 in Astronomy and Astrophysics R&D Expenditures and No. 2 in Water Resources in the U.S. (and No. 6 globally). It holds the No. 3 position in high Hispanic enrollment in research activity among U.S. institutions and ranks No. 4 in Earth Sciences nationwide. Additionally, the university is ranked No. 6 in NASA-funded activity among public universities, No. 7 in Physical Sciences R&D Expenditures, and No. 6 for its College of Pharmacy nationally. Overall, the University of Arizona stands at No. 36 in R&D Expenditures, showcasing Dr. Robbins' commitment to advancing research excellence and fostering innovation.
CULTURE
As the university President, Dr. Robert C. Robbins was instrumental in driving a culture of entrepreneurship at the University of Arizona, evidenced by 2,753 invention disclosures and the commercialization of groundbreaking knowledge with the potential to change the world. Under his leadership, the university has secured 615 issued patents, ranked No. 28 among worldwide universities for U.S. utility patents, and facilitated 537 licenses and options for university inventions. This entrepreneurial spirit has resulted in 135 startups launching from U of A inventions, generating an impressive $1.61 billion in economic output from commercialization activities between FY17-FY21.
RESEARCH: BY THE NUMBERS
R&D Expenditures
In the U.S. (No. 6 in the World)
In the U.S.
2,753 INVENTION DISCLOSURES
Knowledge development that can change the world.
615 PATENTS ISSUED
Ranked no. 28 among worldwide universities granted U.S. utility patents.
135 STARTUPS LAUNCHED
Commercializing U of A inventions.
$1.61B IN ECONOMIC OUTPUT
From commercialization activities between FY17-FY21.