​In January 2023, SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. announced a $12 million allocation to Stony Brook University (SBU) to support the hiring of approximately 50 new research faculty members. This initiative is part of New York State's broader $53 million annual investment in higher education, aimed at enhancing research capabilities and student opportunities across the State University of New York (SUNY) system.​

The new faculty hires will focus on high-demand fields such as quantum information sciences, artificial intelligence, energy and climate science, and cancer studies. This expansion is expected to bolster SBU's research output, increase faculty diversity, and address instructional needs, aligning with the university's goal of becoming one of the top 25 ranked public research institutions nationally. Additionally, the increased faculty presence will enhance student support and preparation for careers in today's high-demand STEM fields