Research
Igniting Our Pursuits
From advocating for human rights to sending aircraft higher and farther, UD is where the future takes form.
Whether we're creating a computer chip that can teach itself or conducting research that supports NASA's Perseverance rover, we work in the space between inspiration and impact — and bring great ideas to life.
Here, it's about more than innovation for the sake of discovery. It's about developing solutions to help others. By bringing together graduate and undergraduate students with our renowned faculty and researchers, we continue to pave the way to a better world.
Research Rankings
No. 1
in the nation for materials engineering R&D
No. 1
Catholic university for engineering R&D
$221 million
in annual sponsored research last year
Our Momentum Moves the World
At UD, our solutions have a real impact on society.
UD Research Institute
At this moment, UDRI is engaged in hundreds of complex experiments, tests, prototypes and more. But our goal is simple: to turn our research expertise into solutions for tomorrow's problems.
Office for Research
The Office for Research brings together faculty with the staff of UDRI in pursuit of world-changing research and development, while expanding entrepreneurship on campus.
Partnerships
Whether on the local or international level, our partnerships further innovation, spur economic growth and extend our ability to help people everywhere.
Centers and Institutes
More than 40 centers and institutes work to cross disciplines, improve communities and change the world.
Research Stories
Freezing Frogs - and Saving Lives
Could a frog with the ability to withstand freezing temperatures hold the key to improving organ transplantation? Carissa Krane, professor of biology, and Jeremy Erb, associate professor of chemistry, aim to find out.
Read More About Their ResearchSubversive Habits
Shannen Dee Williams, associate professor of history, provides the first full history of Black Catholic Nuns in the United States.
Read More About Dr. Williams's ResearchImproving Mental Health of Children
What's the biological link between childhood hardships and mental disorders? Lucy Allbaugh, assistant professor of psychology, is teaming with medical researchers to find out.
Read More About Dr. Allbaugh's ResearchNSF Research Rankings
No. 1
in Ohio for engineering R&D
No. 1
Catholic university for physical STEM R&D
No. 3
Catholic university for R&D in all categories
No. 3
in the nation for industrial and manufacturing R&D
No. 8
in the nation for federally sponsored engineering R&D
No. 10
in the nation for federally sponsored aerospace engineering R&D
Spotlighting Student Research
The Stander Symposium is an annual celebration of academic excellence. Instead of regularly scheduled classes, students share their research, creative endeavors and academic accomplishments.