Kansas University leaders Monday touted a 2.3 percent increase in research spending in the last year and said KU spent a record $297.4 million on research during its 2008 fiscal year.

KU spent $197.8 million in funds from external sources, plus the university contributed about another $100 million in other institutional support.

Steve Warren, KU’s vice provost for research and graduate studies, said it was a good sign amid flat or decreasing federal basic research funding the last five years.

“Our indicators are that for the next year we’re going to have another really, really strong year given the environment we’re in,” Warren said. “Our data on awards and new grants coming in is very strong and looks very positive.”

KU leaders said the research spanned enhancing health care and advancing technology while putting money into the state’s economy.

“During the past three years, our researchers brought nearly $591 million into the state,” KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway said. “The funds hired talented people, purchased technical equipment and paid for Kansas goods and services. The impact of that investment is huge and widespread.”

Warren also announced the numbers as part of KU’s annual research and graduate studies convocation Monday in Alderson Auditorium at the Kansas Union.

Warren and Provost Richard Lariviere also honored Debra Kamps, director of the Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training and associate director and senior scientist at the Juniper Gardens Children’s Project, as the 2009 recipient of KU’s Research Achievement Award.