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Research, Partnerships and Innovation

UCF researchers drive intellectual capital and innovation to solve today’s most pressing problems. As a metropolitan research university, we promote economic development in the region by aiding in the transfer of technology and other discoveries between university and industry to create next-generation ideas and products. Our graduates, who benefit from working alongside our research faculty, also contribute to the economy by driving innovation through local company employment or by launching their own businesses. From space technologies, simulation and immersive experiences and energy and sustainability to healthcare and national security, UCF researchers work together to shape the future, improving the lives of our community and the world.


University Research Impact

UCF 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 helping strengthen and diversify our local and state economy.

$217.1M

Sponsored research funding in 2023.

137

Patent applications filed in FY 2023.

56

U.S. patents issued in FY 2023.

26

Licenses and options executed in 2023.

6

In 2022, 6 UCF students were named National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellows.

20

Fulbright Scholars from around the world choose UCF graduate programs to do their research.

Show The World What You’re Working On

Are you a faculty member or student conducting research at UCF? We want to hear from you!


Multidisciplinary Research Clusters

UCF’s Faculty Cluster Initiative leverages our diverse 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 diverse 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 UCF.

Innovation in Action

When research yields a discovery, what happens next? At the , our team helps UCF discoveries go public through intellectual property protection, marketing and licensing processes. The office connects UCF 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. ¹û¶³´«Ã½ professors have been recognized for their innovation and invention by being selected to become fellows of the National Academy of Inventors.


Research
U.S. Army Awards $1M Grant to UCF for Development of Semiconductor Light Source
The laser device could be used for defense applications and civilian purposes, including room disinfection and water sterilization.
Research
Universities, Defense Agencies Collaborate on Research at Inaugural Florida Symposium Hosted by UCF
UCF and the University of South Florida facilitated a two-day symposium where faculty from Florida universities and U.S. Department of Defense research and development officers…
Colleges & Campus
UCF, U.S. Air Force Partner on Center of Excellence to Advance Hypersonics, Space Propulsion
Advanced hypersonic propulsion systems are a national priority and are essential to maintaining U.S. national defense as global technological advancements continue to evolve.

Serving our Faculty and Students

UCF offers a host of resources that our faculty and student investigators can tap into. These include , , and help in complying with pertaining to research.

Faculty

Faculty are at the heart of any research institution. That’s why the UCF 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

at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ 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

¹û¶³´«Ã½ 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. ¹û¶³´«Ã½ 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 UCF 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

¹û¶³´«Ã½ is Engineering a Stronger Future

Professor Ali Gordon pushes materials and mechanics to their breaking point, to help us build a more resilient world.

UCF faculty expand the frontiers of engineering science

ali gordon