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Research, Partnerships and Innovation

At Âé¶¹Ô­´´, research drives progress. Our faculty and students work together to develop solutions that address the challenges facing our communities, industries and the world.

As a metropolitan research university, Âé¶¹Ô­´´ connects innovation with opportunity — advancing technologies, strengthening the economy and improving quality of life. From space systems and simulation to sustainable energy, health and national security, Âé¶¹Ô­´´â€™s collaborative approach turns discovery into lasting impact.


Two people in protective suits work on a rover in the Exolith Lab Two people in protective suits work on a rover in the Exolith Lab
Âé¶¹Ô­´´ | SpaceU - America's Space University

As America’s Space University, Âé¶¹Ô­´´ advances ideas into impact — accelerating the breakthroughs that move our world beyond Earth.

Forging The Future of Space

University Research Impact

Âé¶¹Ô­´´ researchers are committed to discovery and innovation. Each year, our researchers attract more than $200 million in grants, gifts and sponsored awards. But a dollar figure doesn’t tell the whole story. Research and scholarship are about the impact our work is having on our students, community, nation and around the globe. It’s about helping solve real-world problems that make a difference in people’s lives. In addition to supporting innovative research, we’re driving economic growth and opportunity across the state.

$237.4M

Sponsored research funding in 2025.

Top 20

Public university in the nation for producing patents.

61

U.S. patents issued in FY 2025.

32

Licenses and options executed in 2025.

10

New products based on Âé¶¹Ô­´´ technology entered the market in FY 2025.

13

New Fulbright Scholars from around the world choose Âé¶¹Ô­´´ graduate programs to do their research.

Show The World What You’re Working On

Are you a faculty member or student conducting research at Âé¶¹Ô­´´? We want to hear from you!


Multidisciplinary Research Clusters

Âé¶¹Ô­´´â€™s Faculty Cluster Initiative leverages our talent, facilities, location and industry partnerships to foster the development of strong, interdisciplinary teams focused on solving today’s toughest scientific and societal challenges through teaching and research. Bringing together some of the brightest minds creates synergies among various disciplines to help generate research breakthroughs.

Among the groups making the biggest gains are the Center for Research in Computer Vision, Florida Space Institute and Faculty Research Clusters. Comprised of faculty across disciplines, the nine clusters are focused on tackling thematic, global issues, including cybersecurity, coastal sustainability, and disability and aging.

Explore Further

Learn more about faculty clusters at Âé¶¹Ô­´´.

Innovation in Action

When research yields a discovery, what happens next? At the , our team helps Âé¶¹Ô­´´ discoveries go public through intellectual property protection, marketing and licensing processes. The office connects Âé¶¹Ô­´´ researchers with companies and entrepreneurs to take technology to market. By working together, we are able to make the greatest impact.

In addition to collaborating on research and commercialization, we are focused on unprecedented results. Âé¶¹Ô­´´ professors have been recognized for their innovation and invention by being selected to become fellows of the National Academy of Inventors.


Research
Âé¶¹Ô­´´â€™s Kathleen Richardson Receives 2026 Otto Schott Research Award
The international honor recognizes the trustee chair professor’s contributions to optical glass and infrared materials that power next-generation technologies.
Research
Âé¶¹Ô­´´ Expert Plays Key Role in International Research to Combat Dengue Fever, Zika
As a mosquito-borne virus expert, Âé¶¹Ô­´´ Assistant Professor James Earnest is leveraging his knowledge to lead two research projects studying immune responses to the dengue…
Colleges & Campus
5 Unique Funds to Support on Âé¶¹Ô­´´ Day of Giving
On Thursday, April 9, Âé¶¹Ô­´´ Day of Giving will support students, research and programs shaping the future â€” including these five unique areas across the university.

Serving our Faculty and Students

Âé¶¹Ô­´´ offers a host of resources that our faculty and student investigators can tap into. These include training and workshops, funding opportunities, and help in complying with pertaining to research.

Faculty

Faculty are at the heart of any research institution. That’s why the Âé¶¹Ô­´´ offers several services to help support faculty. For example, the Office of Research works with faculty to submit sponsored-research proposals to federal and private agencies, provides workshops, seminars, and training opportunities to help enhance grant success and administers research awards and oversees research integrity and compliance.

Graduate Research

Graduate students at Âé¶¹Ô­´´ have access to renowned professors, talented mentors and state-of-the-art technology, and can take advantage of resources such as research seminars, discussion groups, professional development workshops and social events that support them as they progress through their studies.

Undergraduate Research

Âé¶¹Ô­´´ professors engage students in their projects, giving them invaluable experience in the laboratory and in their chosen fields. The and the Venture Accelerator create ideal environments for students, faculty and entrepreneurs to collaborate on research and provide business solutions.

Local Research, Global Impact

Strong relationships and a shared vision lead to successful partnerships right here in Central Florida. One such partner, the Florida High Tech Corridor, spans 23 counties and serves to attract and retain technology industries and a talented workforce in our area. Âé¶¹Ô­´´ has solid relationships throughout the region that are built on mutual respect and common goals, and it’s clear that together we are making an impact.

In nearby Central Florida Research Park, many of the 12,300+ employees work with Âé¶¹Ô­´´ researchers and students on projects in the sciences, engineering, photonics and optics, modeling and simulation and health-related fields. And our Business Incubation Program, which provides startup companies with the incubator tools and support they need to become stable and high-growth enterprises, has helped create and sustain more than 6,200 local jobs and have had an impact of $2.48 billion on regional economic output.

Research Centers and Initiatives

Âé¶¹Ô­´´ Faculty Are Leading Research, Discovery & Impact

By studying the behavior of light, nationally-recognized scientist Peter Delfyett has discovered new uses for lasers, helping data move faster on the internet and driving the future of autonomous vehicles.

How Âé¶¹Ô­´´ faculty are advancing photonics

peter delfyett