Accelerating research growth
Nebraska Research celebrates the prominence, excellence and impact of faculty, staff and students. We are driven to seek solutions that improve lives, stimulate economic prosperity and deepen understanding of the world.
As the state’s land-grant, Carnegie R1 institution and only member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has a unique role in advancing knowledge and transforming lives. The 2024 Research Report highlights some recent accomplishments in discovery, innovation and creativity.
Our stature is rising. Over the past decade, total research expenditures across UNL, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the system’s Office of the President have increased 53%. UNL’s total sponsored research awards grew 58% during that time. For the seventh consecutive year, the University of Nebraska system is ranked among the world’s top 100 academic institutions receiving U.S. patents, rising five spots to No. 73.
We invest in research. The CryoEM Core Facility houses the first cryo-electron microscope in the state and one of a few regionally – a major opportunity to advance the agricultural and biomedical life sciences. Faculty leadership and university-wide partnerships made the new research core possible.
Through the Grand Challenges initiative, Nebraska has committed $40 million toward strategic goal-based solutions in seven focus areas. In addition to addressing pressing societal issues, the interdisciplinary effort has generated new collaborations and opportunities for faculty to make an impact.
We are looking ahead and preparing to strategically invest in areas where Nebraska has expertise to make major scientific advancements.
Our faculty is world-class. At Nebraska, we believe that people make the place. Nine Nebraska researchers earned National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Program awards in 2024 – a new university record.
Husker researchers are earning top awards in their fields, while the number of faculty books, publications and creative works continues to climb. When faculty across ranks and disciplines work together to solve real-world problems, Nebraska is unstoppable. I invite you to read more about the people and the work driving our research trajectory.
Jennifer Mize Nelson
Interim Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation