To distinguish its place in the higher education landscape, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has committed to articulating its research identity. UNL’s research identity framework also is a response to “Odyssey to Extraordinary,” the strategic plan for the University of Nebraska System, which calls for building a strong research identity in areas of excellence.
One of the five pillars of the NU Strategic Plan emphasizes “Extraordinary Research and Creative Activity.” This pillar describes a goal to, “Establish the University of Nebraska System research and creative activity scope and prominence as widely recognized for extraordinary societal impact as a top-tier institution.”
It is important within the context of that plan to spotlight areas of strength and distinction in research, scholarship, and creative endeavors at Nebraska’s flagship, land-grant institution. Articulating a UNL research identity framework also will help elevate public understanding about Nebraska research, its contributions, and ways partners can connect with the university.
Based on conversations across the university about research strengths, priorities, and future directions and a review of UNL’s sponsored funding portfolio, the following research identity areas emerged:
- Agriculture and Bioindustry
- Basic Mechanisms of Disease
- Creative Engagement and Cultural Heritage
- Material Sciences and Energy
- Social, Behavioral, Educational, and Prevention Sciences
- Transportation, Infrastructure, Robotics, and Autonomous Technologies
Additional institutional strengths are included in the framework as cross-cutting areas of distinction:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Management and Preservation
- Economics and Business
- Ethical, Legal, Social, and Policy Implications
- High Performance Computing
- STEM Learning/Discipline-based Educational Research
This set of cross-cutting areas further reflects the richness of a comprehensive research institution, elevates UNL’s competitive edge, and strengthens the collective impact of faculty work.
UNL’s research identity framework was first introduced during the Research and Innovation Convening held in May 2025. More than 200 faculty members attended the convening and had the opportunity to provide initial feedback and suggestions regarding the framework.
In fall 2025, 30 faculty volunteered to write draft descriptions for each of the initial research identity areas. R&I staff developed the descriptions of the cross-cutting areas of distinction. The draft descriptions were then reviewed by an additional 25 faculty volunteers before being released for feedback from the wider university community. The faculty members who participated as primary writers and reviewers of the research identity area descriptions are listed here.
During the campus-wide review process, the research identity framework feedback form was accessed 671 times, yielding more than 200 comments that were considered and informed the final version of the research identity framework.
