But Simon does not stand alone in the fight. More than 100 other university presidents and chancellors nationwide, all members of the Association of American Universities signed the letter, which suggested more federal funding be put toward research to keep American universities competitive against other countries.

“MSU has always focused on supporting the prosperity of our citizenry through the discovery of knowledge and its application to practical needs,” Simon said in a statement. “It is imperative that all of our universities maintain their levels of excellence by continued investment in research and education.”

Within the 2012-13 academic year, $47.6 million of MSU’s total $1.106 billion budget was spent on research. Through the Bolder by Design initiative, Simon aims to increase research funding by 50 percent within the next five years.

Paul Hunt, MSU’s senior associate vice president for research and graduate studies, said an increase in funding is the only way to keep MSU relevant in the research world.

But research opportunities affect MSU within its own borders, as well. Stephanie Schmidt, a student researcher, said an increase in funding could create more opportunities for students to learn.

“The more money we have, the more we can do,” Schmidt said. “More students are given the opportunity to be shown what science is in practice, not just in theory. Research allows for us to really raise awareness.”

Hunt said federal recognition through funding can provide validation for a project’s importance, while also giving researchers the motivation to push through a difficult process.

“Significant federal, peer-reviewed funding is an important characteristic of a vibrant research endeavor,” he said. “Also, foundation and other nonfederal support often carries a demand for achieving financial self-sustainability, which is difficult for fundamental research projects.”