The Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey is an annual census conducted by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) within the National Science Foundation (NSF). It collects detailed data on HERD defined research and development (R&D) expenditures from U.S. higher education institutions that spend at least $150,000 annually on R&D.
The survey covers various aspects such as:
- Fields of research: Categorizes expenditures by specific research areas.
- Sources of funds: Identifies funding sources, including federal, state, and private entities.
- Types of research: Differentiates between basic, applied, and experimental development.
- R&D personnel: Gathers information on the number and roles of individuals involved in R&D activities.
This survey is crucial for understanding the landscape of R&D in higher education and helps inform policy and funding decisions
Sponsored Programs Administration and the Office of Institutional Effectiveness coordinate each year with several university units to complete and submit NIU’s survey.
Survey data are analyzed and reviewed with the vice president for research prior to submission.
HERD Dashboard
An interactive dashboard of NIU R&D expenditures by fund source and college or division.
HERD Surveys
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