Here, Discovery is a Daily Occurrence.
The University of Nebraska has been a hub for groundbreaking research and innovative activity ever since we were founded to drive the growth of a state on the frontier of our nation.
Today, our frontiers are found in the advancements we make in agriculture and natural resources, transportation and highway safety, early childhood education, nanotechnology and alternative energy. We also tackle a wide range of public health issues. With research in cancer, diabetes, organ transplantation, aging, and
neurodegenerative diseases, we are improving the quality of life for people in Nebraska and around the world.
These endless interdisciplinary, inter-campus, and inter-institutional undertakings make it no surprise the University of Nebraska is among the top 75 U.S. public universities in research and development spending. Research funding has increased 75 percent since 2010, which has helped us build world-class facilities in Lincoln and at our Medical Center.
Current Research
Finding Answers to Questions the World Didn't Know to Ask
Transforming autonomous vehicle capabilities
A UNL research project aims to transform how autonomous vehicles operate by connecting them to broader networks, making them smarter and more reliable.
Research illuminates immigration experiences
Focused on the challenges and strengths of MENA women following forced displacement, Luethke employed PhotoVoice – a research method that empowers participants to guide the project.
Biochemistry projects aim to benefit society
Two biomedical research projects curated to address aerobic energy metabolism and seasonal affective disorder.
Becoming a Global Force in the Neurological Sciences
UNMC/Nebraska Medicine’s Mind and Brain Health Labs offer driving simulation to improve patient care.
Bureau of Sociological Research helping steer ag policy research
UNL’s Bureau of Sociological Research gathers perspectives from producers helping inform agricultural research, practices, and state and federal policymaking.
Nebraska Applied Research Institute Created
The Nebraska Applied Research Institute, or NARI, builds on the groundbreaking academic research and has found a new home at UNO.
Improving the Health of Nebraska Farmers
Automation and fast food affect rural and urban residents alike. A UNMC project gauges heart disease risk to inform solutions.
Educating others about the Significance of Afghanistan
The Center for Afghanistan Studies empowers Afghans to develop their economy and civil society, and promote the cultures of Afghanistan.
Researcher Finds Shoe Stiffness Impacts Energy Use
A UNO researcher shows one element of shoe design can significantly impact the energy cost of walking.
Advancing Treatments for Peripheral Artery Disease
UNMC researchers receive $3.5 million from NIH to discover why traditional treatments of peripheral artery disease (PAD) aren't effective.
Enhancing Opportunities for Undergraduate Research
UNK students become exposed to other disciplines, broadening their educational experience and fostering collaboration through expanded research opportunities.
Engineers work on intelligent, self-healing technology
UNL engineering team works to develop soft robotics and wearable systems that mimic the ability of human and plant skin to detect and self-heal injuries.
Facilities: Where the Real Work Happens
In 2017, the $323 million Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center will bring scientists and clinicians together in one place to work as a team, caring for patients and creating new cancer treatments.
The Douglas Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex builds upon an existing partnership between UNK and UNMC that’s shown great success. The complex allows UNMC to expand its existing nursing programs and bring new options to the UNK campus, including occupational therapy, medical nutrition, genetic counseling and respiratory care – all high-need areas in rural Nebraska.
The Biomechanics Research Building includes the Department of Biomechanics, the Center for Research in Human Movement Variability, and the Center for Cardiovascular Research in Biomechanics, putting UNO at the forefront of biomechanics research with a first-in-the-world, stand-alone building dedicated solely to this field of study.
Kiewit Hall is the university’s academic hub for engineering education. It connects five engineering facilities and is home to the construction management program. It offers a mix of multi-purpose classrooms, instructional labs, engineering student services, and maker spaces.
Recent Awards and Recognition
Thanh Nguyen, Ph.D., M.S.N., FNP-C
Assistant Professor and Research Scientist, Department of Emergency Medicine, UNMC
Faculty IP Innovation and Commercialization Award Recipient
Nguyen's primary research interest lies in finding the nexus between technology and medicine to improve the patients’ overall wellness, and to end global health disparities.
Gina Ligon, Ph.D.
Jack and Stephanie Koraleski Professor for Collaboration Science, Department of Business Administration, UNO
Innovation, Development, and Engagement Award Recipient
Ligon collaborates closely with NSRI and IANR on national security research and public safety issues for Nebraska. She has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed academic publications.
Károly Mirnics, M.D., Ph.D.
Dean and Director, Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation, UNMC
Innovation, Development and Engagement Award Recipient
In recognition of his diversity, access and inclusion work he has received 2018 Help is Hope Award from Autism Action Partnership and is recognized as the 2019 Friends of Scottish Rite Honoree.
Jay Storz, Ph.D.
Willa Cather Professor, School of Biological Sciences, UNL
Outstanding Research and Creative Activity Award Recipient (Biological, Physical, and Medical Sciences)
His research in evolutionary biology centers on questions about physiological mechanisms of adaptation to extreme environments. In particular, a main goal of his research is to discover how high-elevation animals have evolved to survive and function in low-oxygen conditions.
Timothy Schaffert, M.F.A.
Adele Hall Chair of English and Director of Creative Writing, Department of English, UNL
Outstanding Research and Creative Activity Award Recipient (Arts and Humanities)
His novels have been noted as a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, an Oprah Book of the Week, and an LA Times Best Book of Summer, among other distinctions, and have been translated into multiple languages, including French and Italian.
Betsy J. Becker, P.T., D.P.T, Ph.D.
Professor, Director and Chair, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, UNMC
Outstanding Teaching and Instructional Creativity Award Recipient
A dedicated leader in physical therapy education, Dr. Becker is known for her innovative use of educational technology to enhance teaching and learning. Her research spans topics such as professional networks, communities of practice, and women in academia.
Renee McFee, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Coordinator for the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine, UNL
Outstanding Teaching and Instructional Creativity Award Recipient
Her teaching is grounded in evidence-based pedagogical practices, with an emphasis on active learning and assessment techniques that promote long-term knowledge retention.
Goodrich Scholarship Program
UNO
Innovations in Student Success Award Recipient
For over 50 years, the Goodrich Scholarship Program has provided an opportunity for any Nebraskan, from anywhere in the state, who has academic merit and financial need to earn a college degree at UNO.
Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders
UNL
University-wide Departmental Teaching Award Recipient
The Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders (SECD) prepares students to serve individuals with diverse needs across the lifespan, including those with motor, sensory, communication, cognitive, and learning differences and challenges.
How to Benefit from Our Expertise
We’re always looking for new opportunities to change and be changed for the better. And we're particularly excited about ventures that foster entrepreneurship and economic competitiveness in Nebraska. Explore our current partnerships, become a partner yourself, or get involved in our tech transfer efforts.
Click here to see us in action: University Technology Development CorporationPut New Technology to Work
Our tech transfer partners help us to grow ideas into tangible, innovative solutions that we could not create alone.
Solve Problems
We are in constant collaboration with public and private businesses, organizations, and agencies to solve real-world issues through research.
Click here to see us in action: UNK Regional Engagement Center
Strengthen Communities
We have the resources, insight and interest to make a positive impact on the communities we call home.
Click here to see us in action: UNO Community Engagement Center