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Research at UD

Research for the Common Good

At UD, research is about more than innovation for the sake of discovery. It's about developing solutions that make a positive impact on society.

Last year, the University conducted $264.3 million in annual sponsored research — and our cumulative sponsored research exceeded $3 billion.

The Office of Academic Research champions academic research, scholarship and creative activity, and the Office of Technology and Entrepreneurial Partnerships is responsible for all aspects of Intellectual Property management for the University. In addition, UDRI is a national leader in scientific and engineering research, serving government, industry and nonprofit customers.

Fast Facts

No. 1 in the nation

for materials engineering research & development

No. 1 Catholic university

for engineering research & development

Featured Research

At the University of Dayton, we're dedicated to developing solutions that have a real impact on society. Discover how our faculty and researchers create momentum — for UD and the world.

Shawn Swavey, professor of chemistry (left). and Kristen Krupa, chair of UD's department of chemical and materials engineering, in a lab

Exploring Lung Cancer Detection and Treatment link-arrow link-arrow

The National Institutes of Health has awarded nearly a half-million dollars to two University of Dayton researchers exploring strategies for the detection and potential treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.  
Road construction site

Creating Safer Work Zones with $1.41M Grant link-arrow link-arrow

A UD researcher is striving to make work zones safer with additional "eyes" and "ears" to improve situational awareness and early warning of hazards.

Tracking Black Bears Recolonizing Ohio link-arrow link-arrow

A four-year grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is supporting field activities of a UD wildlife ecologist, doctoral student and undergraduate research technicians.

Neuroscientist awarded $413K to study brain disorders, mentor student research link-arrow link-arrow

The NIH funding will support one doctoral student and seven undergraduate students.

Developing the First Pediatric-Specific AI Lung Nodule Detection System link-arrow link-arrow

Dr. Russell Hardie has been awarded an NIH grant to harness AI to revolutionize the detection of metastatic lung disease in pediatric patients by identifying lung nodules in CT scans.  

Igniting Innovation link-arrow link-arrow

UD faculty and UDRI researchers collaborated on a variety of summer research projects, including self-healing polymers and lightweight composite aircraft.

UD theologian awarded $40,000 grant for book on America’s Black Catholic movement link-arrow link-arrow

Joseph Flipper received a Louisville Institute Sabbatical Grant for Researchers to complete a book.

Enhancing 5G/6G Technology link-arrow link-arrow

An engineering faculty member and researcher are part of a team that has been awarded a multi-million dollar subcontract to develop technology that is critical to the Department of Defense.

UD professor among team publishing findings from catastrophic Himalayan flood link-arrow link-arrow

New findings reveal the causes and impacts of a catastrophic flood that struck the Himalayan region in 2023. 

Veteran Research link-arrow link-arrow

Veteran entrepreneurs prioritize resource protection, exiting early in uncertainty, highlighting the need to bridge military skills with business success.

UD biologist awarded $498K to study how salamanders respond to climate change link-arrow link-arrow

Maggie Hantak’s research focuses on two 'color morphs' of the Eastern red-backed salamander.

Featured Research Opportunities for Students

Stander Symposium

UD's annual Brother Joseph W. Stander Symposium serves as a campus-wide forum for students to showcase and celebrate their research and academic excellence.

Research Experiences

Students have numerous research opportunities, including working independently with faculty, the arts and sciences summer fellowship, engineering summer research experiences and FYRE.

Berry Summer Thesis Institute

Through the Berry Summer Thesis Institute, honors students can spend the summer after their first or second year at UD working closely with a faculty mentor on research related to their interests. 

Global Flyers: Oxford

Honors students can apply to the Global Flyers program and spend six weeks expanding their thesis research at Oxford University.

First-Year Research Experience

Launch Your Research Journey

At UD, you can begin engaging in research during your first year through the First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) — a two-semester, interdisciplinary research experience. You'll build important research skills, work closely with faculty and campus researchers, and participate in two 6-week research rotations. After completing FYRE, you'll continued to be supported in your research journey and have access to additional opportunities.
Explore FYRE
Photo of student in engineering lab