Year In Review
The USGS Cooperative Research Units Program is a national partnership connecting USGS, state agencies, universities, WMI, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Since 1935, it has advanced graduate education, delivered applied research for resource management, and strengthened collaboration through university-based USGS scientists.
Tripling Taxpayer Impact: How CRU Leverages Federal Investment
The CRU Program delivers exceptional value for taxpayers by nearly tripling the impact of every Federal dollar invested. In FY 2025, \$28.2 million in appropriated funding—primarily supporting Unit scientists’ salaries—enabled them to secure an additional \$26.8 million from cooperators and stakeholders. These leveraged funds, managed through host universities, fuel cutting-edge research, train future scientists, and provide critical support to partners. On average, this funding sustains 26 non-Federal positions per Unit annually, including graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and technicians—supporting over 1,130 jobs nationwide driving economic growth in local communities. In addition, cooperating universities contributed upwards of \$30.5 million in in-kind support through facilities, tuition waivers, administrative support and reduced overhead, further amplifying CRU Program’s impact.
Our Tripartite Mission - Performance at a Glance
Research - Conduct applied research to deliver science-driven insights directly to natural resource decisionmakers
The USGS Cooperative Research Unit Program scientists, research staff, and students set a high bar for scientific achievement in FY 2025, publishing 388 papers in more than 290 peer reviewed journals. These contributions appeared in world renowned outlets such as Nature and influential regional publications like Southwestern Naturalist, reflecting both global reach and local relevance. Remarkably, 35% of all CRU publications were concentrated in the top 20 journals that represent many of the best journals in the field, underscoring the program’s leadership and sustained impact. Beyond academic recognition, these findings inform conservation policy, guide resource management decisions, and provide evidence-based solutions that benefits ecosystems and communities nationwide.
In fiscal year 2025, the CRU Program demonstrated robust productivity across outreach, recognition, and training. Program scientists delivered 32 invited seminars and led 17 workshops, underscoring strong engagement with partners and stakeholders. Knowledge transfer was substantial, with 806 unique presentations delivered, highlighting consistent dissemination of applied science and management-relevant findings. The teaching footprint was significant as well: 71 courses reached 882 participants, averaging roughly 12 participants per course. Taken together, these metrics showcase the CRU’s dual mission of advancing fisheries and wildlife science while building capacity through high-impact education and outreach.
Graduate Education - Advance graduate education to cultivate the next generation of conservation professionals
Education and workforce development remain central to the USGS Cooperative Research Units Program mission, as reflected in FY2025 metrics. The program supported 725 active students, including 110 undergraduates, 327 master’s students, and 197 doctoral students, alongside 91 postdoctoral researchers. This commitment to advanced training translated into 46 master’s degrees and 8 Ph.D. degrees awarded during the year. Additionally, the program sustained 516 active staff positions (e.g., technicians) and contributed to 1,131 total university research positions, reinforcing its role as a critical partner in building scientific capacity and preparing the next generation of natural resource professionals.
Technical Assistance - Providing technical assistance to personnel managing fish, wildlife, and ecosystems
From mapping ungulate migrations and restoring aquatic connectivity to developing early warning systems for invasive species and advancing renewable energy-wildlife compatibility, CRU’s portfolio exemplifies problem-solving at many different scales. By integrating ecological, technological, and social dimensions, CRU delivers science that empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions for sustainable resource stewardship in an era of rapid environmental change.
The CRU Program remains a leader in applied research, delivering objective science to inform management decisions. The CRU Program conducted 600+ active management-oriented research projects conducted with State, Federal, and university cooperators in FY 2025 and focuses on four interlocking elements that define CRU impact: crosscutting themes, problem solving approaches, practical solutions, and broad partner engagement.
