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 helping to power the Mars 2020 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 R&D
No. 1
Catholic university for engineering R&D
$166 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.
UDRIOffice 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.
Office for ResearchPartnerships
Whether on the local or international level, our partnerships further innovation, spur economic growth and extend our ability to help people everywhere.
PartnershipsCenters and Institutes
More than 40 centers and institutes work to cross disciplines, improve communities and change the world.
Centers and InstitutesResearch Stories
Unlocking Mysteries
Takis Pitychoutis is using an NIH grant to study how a protein in the brain may be involved in ADHD.
Read MoreA Helping Hand
Engineers at the University of Dayton are using advanced 3D printing with soft elastomers to create prosthetic hands. The goal is to provide customized prosthetics to amputees in developing countries who cannot afford existing options.
Where Engineering Meets Wellness
An interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Dayton is developing a posture monitor to help people use walkers properly, preventing falls and injuries. This device is one element in the development of a SmartWalker, an effort to foster increased independence and health outcomes for older adults.
Read MoreNSF Research Rankings
No. 1
in Ohio for sponsored materials R&D
No. 2
in Ohio for sponsored physical S/TEM R&D
No. 8
in the nation for federally sponsored engineering R&D
No. 5
in the nation for sponsored industrial and manufacturing R&D
1000+
researchers, faculty, staff and students work on sponsored research programs
No. 3
Catholic university for sponsored R&D in all categories