Boldly transforming the future in Nebraska and beyond
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has a bold vision to transform lives and become a world-leading land-grant institution. The Office of Research and Innovation is at the heart of this mission, working to advance research, creative and scholarly endeavors and fulfill UNL’s promise to the people of Nebraska and beyond.
At Nebraska, faculty are encouraged to collaborate across disciplines to solve real-world problems. A biomedical engineer, for example, is developing wearable devices that provide earlier, more accurate detection of chronic disease exacerbations.
As a Carnegie R1 institution, UNL has the depth and breadth of expertise necessary for addressing complex societal problems, such as preventing at-risk youth from experiencing homelessness. The size and scale of UNL’s research enterprise enables researchers to nimbly respond to changing circumstances like the increasing frequency and severity of drought.
Husker researchers work directly with Nebraskans to address issues that matter to them, including developing new approaches to healthy eating in child care settings, especially those serving rural children, who are 25% more likely to experience obesity. At the same time, a UNL irrigation engineer is developing micro-irrigation systems to improve food security in Nebraska and around the world.
The 2024-2025 Nebraska Research Report includes these examples and many others, from moving innovations from the laboratory to the marketplace, to creative endeavors that shape our culture.
I am also proud of our faculty who have earned prestigious and highly prestigious external honors and awards in the past year. Their accomplishments reflect the exceptional quality of research, scholarly and creative activity at Nebraska.
Total research expenditures across the University of Nebraska system continue to grow, reaching a combined total of $657 million in FY 2025. The NU System also climbed six spots to No. 49 nationally among institutions earning U.S. utility patents.
Even as the higher education landscape shifts, I am confident that UNL’s research strengths will keep us steadfast in our pursuit of prominence, excellence and impact. We are nimble and resilient, ready to tackle tomorrow’s opportunities.
I invite you to read more about the inspiring individuals who exemplify Research at Nebraska.
Jennifer Mize Nelson
Interim Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation