NSF HERD Expenditure Tree Diagram: Analyzing Research Investment by Source and Discipline - Image
The Expenditure Tree Diagram page of the NSF HERD Dashboard provides a powerful, interactive way to understand how research funding is allocated across different levels, from total expenditure down to specific fields and funding sources. This visualization allows UTRGV and other institutions to analyze research spending in a detailed, hierarchical format, making it easier to see where funds are coming from and how they are allocated within different research disciplines.
Key Variables and Structure
The tree diagram organizes NSF HERD data into a hierarchical structure, allowing users to explore research expenditures by different categories, such as:
- Expenditure ($) and Percentage (%): Users can toggle between absolute dollar values (Expenditure) and percentages to see how much each category contributes to the total funding.
- Source of Funds: This breakdown shows where research funding originates, such as federal government, state government, institution funds, business, and non-profit organizations.
- Research Field/Discipline: This category divides research expenditures by field, such as life sciences, engineering, physical sciences, and more, helping to identify which disciplines receive the most funding.
By combining these variables, users can explore data at various levels of detail and gain a nuanced understanding of funding flows and research focus.
- Total Expenditure by Year (Bar Chart):
- The bar chart on the left displays UTRGV’s total research expenditure over the years. This chart provides a quick view of funding trends, showing how research spending has grown annually. Users can track the progression from past years up to the most recent data (e.g., from $64M in 2012 to $96M in 2022).
- Expenditure Breakdown (Tree Diagram):
- The tree diagram on the right is the main feature of this page. It begins with the total expenditure as the root and then breaks down into progressively smaller categories based on user selections.
- Each level of the tree offers insights into the distribution of funds:
- First Level: Divides spending by school type (e.g., Public, Private not-for-profit), showing how research funds are distributed across institutional types.
- Second Level: Further categorizes expenditures by state to see which regions receive the most funding.
- Third Level: Breaks down expenditures by source of funds (federal, state, institutional, private), showing the origin of the research investments.
- Final Level: Divides funding into research fields/disciplines, revealing which academic areas, such as life sciences or engineering, receive the highest support.
This diagram allows users to explore combinations of these categories to see how funds flow from sources to specific research areas, providing a holistic view of research funding distribution.
How to Use the Tree Diagram for Strategic Insights
The tree diagram enables UTRGV and other institutions to visualize and analyze their research funding distribution in-depth:
- Identify Key Funding Sources: By breaking down expenditures by source, UTRGV can see the primary sources of its research funding, such as federal or institutional funds. This insight can guide future funding strategies and highlight areas where diversification may be beneficial.
- Assess Investment by Discipline: Viewing expenditure by research discipline helps UTRGV identify which fields are well-funded and where there might be gaps or opportunities for growth. For instance, if life sciences are heavily funded, UTRGV might consider strengthening related programs.
- Compare Institutional Types and Regions: The diagram also allows for comparisons across school types and states, giving UTRGV a broader perspective on how it aligns with national trends in research funding and where it stands relative to other public institutions.
Purpose of the Tree Diagram for UTRGV’s Research Goals
The Expenditure Tree Diagram is a critical tool for strategic planning and resource allocation. It provides a clear, hierarchical view of how research funds are distributed, from broad categories down to specific fields and sources. By examining this breakdown, UTRGV can:
- Benchmark Its Research Spending: Understanding how funds are allocated across disciplines and funding sources helps UTRGV gauge its alignment with peer institutions.
- Inform Future Funding Requests: Insights from the tree diagram can support targeted funding requests, helping UTRGV demonstrate the need for support in underfunded areas or for growing successful programs.
- Strengthen Research Investment Strategy: With a clear view of funding sources and discipline allocations, UTRGV can make informed decisions on where to invest to enhance its research profile and support its strategic goals.
The NSF HERD Expenditure Tree Diagram is an essential tool for UTRGV to understand and optimize its research funding strategy. By offering a detailed look at funding sources and allocations, this visualization helps UTRGV align with its research ambitions and enhance its position as a competitive research institution.