Technology Research Initiative Fund (TRIF): making an impact at NAU
Northern Arizona University uses TRIF funding to foster integrated and complementary educational and research activities. These research opportunities create exceptional impact and value for our students, leading to the betterment of Arizona’s communities.
What is TRIF?
Proposition (prop) 301, passed by Arizona voters in November 2000, added 0.6 percent to the state sales tax for the purpose of providing funds to the Arizona K–12 education system, community colleges, and state universities. In response to Prop 301, TRIF was established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) to manage the funds intended for the three Arizona state universities. The TRIF agenda at the universities focuses on research, workforce development, and technology transfer activities.
How NAU uses TRIF
TRIF funds are used to support three primary efforts at NAU:
- Access and workforce development to help meet workforce needs of high-priority industries across the state. Transfer-friendly baccalaureate degree completion programs, graduate programs, and support services for adult learners are offered, creating new, high-quality academic programming. Community and business needs are a central focus of this initiative
- Targeted areas of research excellence to support discovery and development in areas where NAU is an industry leader
- Seed funding to develop new and expanded academic programs that enable inclusive access, as well as research projects that support the intersections between research and experiential learning opportunities for students
TRIF initiatives at NAU
- Pathogen Genomics and Microbiome Science: Advances genomic surveillance, microbiome science, and bioinformatic analysis to detect pathogens earlier, improve outbreak response, and generate new insights into human and environmental health.
- Community-engaged Health: Drives community-based, culturally responsive research and workforce training to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities in rural and tribal communities.
- Semiconductor and Microelectronic Research: Builds research capacity and workforce pipelines in semiconductor technologies by advancing metrology, materials science, and microelectronics innovation in partnership with industry.
- Remote Sensing Applications and Instrument Development: Integrates interdisciplinary expertise to develop advanced remote sensing technologies and applications that expand capabilities across environmental, planetary, and defense domains.
- Forest Health, Wildfire and Environment: Conducts interdisciplinary research and field-based training to improve ecosystem resilience, inform wildfire and land management policy, and support climate adaptation strategies.
- Research Infrastructure, Innovation and Student Engagement: Strengthens NAU’s research enterprise by modernizing infrastructure, streamlining compliance, expanding student research opportunities, and increasing industry and federal engagement.
- Continuing Support for Existing and Expanded Access and Workforce Development Programs: Delivers flexible, workforce-aligned education programs that expand access, accelerate credential completion, and strengthen Arizona’s talent pipeline.
- Start up for New Access and Workforce Development Programs: Enables rapid design and launch of new workforce-focused academic programs that respond to emerging industry needs and support adult learner success.
Our TRIF impacts over five years
From 2017–2021, TRIF funds’ impacts have been reflected and amplified across NAU and Arizona through growing university resources, strengthened student access and development, and rising economic contributions from our graduates.
$118 million impact from research TRIF investment
NAU’s TRIF expenditures support sponsored awards, gifts and other sources, and royalty income to advance our goals.
$79 million economic impact from graduates
NAU graduates contribute to local and global economies as professionals and industry leaders.
1,282 undergraduate students, 692 graduate students, and 232 doctoral appointees
Students shape the research and workforce development missions behind TRIF while inspiring future students through innovation and excellence.
180 invention disclosures transacted and 52 US patents issued
Our faculty, students, and staff are paving the way as innovative leaders, researchers, and experts in their fields.
Questions
Pathogen Genomics and Microbiome Science, Community-engaged Health, Semiconductor and Microelectronic Research, Remote Sensing Applications and Instrument Development, Forest Health, Wildfire and Environment, Research Infrastructure, Innovation and Student Engagement:
Contact the Office of the Vice President for Research
Workforce Development Programs and Start up for New Access and Workforce Development Programs:
Contact the Office of the Provost