Research

World-leading Research, Knowledge-driven Impact

Ranked in the top 15 for best public universities in the nation, UC Riverside has created a new model for what a great public research university can achieve. Our efforts were recognized in 2023 when UCR became a member of the Association of American Universities, or AAU, comprised of the country’s leading research universities.

As a leader in research both nationally and globally, we’re building a better future for everyone. UCR is ranked No. 2 in the world for research in entomology by the Center for World University Rankings and No. 31 in the world in plant and animal sciences, according to U.S. News Global Rankings. We’re also home to the largest indoor atmospheric test chamber, and a national leader in air pollution and alternative fuels research.

Under a recent agreement with Google Public Sector to increase campus computing services and storage capacity — saving our researchers both time and money — we’re ensuring this important work, and more, continues to be possible. Because what happens here, blazes trails everywhere.

At UCR, we don’t just answer problems

We create meaningful solutions for transformative change. We’re the No. 20 public university for making a public impact, according to the Princeton Review. Our work generates positive economic growth throughout the nation and the state, contributing $2.7 billion in nationwide annual economic activity, $1.9 billion of which occurs in California. And through partnerships with local, national, and global entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and fellow research enterprises, we ensure our ideas transition from the lab to the marketplace to make a difference in our increasingly interconnected world.

Research Leadership

Build of the Office of Research and Economic Development

The Office of Research and Economic Development (RED)

The Office of Research and Economic Development (RED) works with UCR faculty, departments, and schools to launch research collaborations, increase federal research funding, facilitate technology commercialization and startup ventures, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.

Students in a classroom with a large widescreen display

Office of Technology Partnerships (OTP)

The Office of Technology Partnerships (OTP) helps to further the entrepreneurial efforts of innovators on the UCR campus and in the Riverside community. Its goal is to establish UCR as the partner of choice connecting the university, industry, and community. With this in mind, OTP experts provide personalized support for individuals and teams seeking to develop, fund, commercialize, validate, and incubate their ideas.

UC Riverside students in a research facility

Entrepreneurial Proof of Concept and Innovation Center (EPIC)

In collaboration with the Riverside County Office of Economic Development and other community partners, the Entrepreneurial Proof of Concept and Innovation Center (EPIC) provides local innovators and startup companies with opportunities for experiential education, individualized mentorship, and access to capital — helping to ease the transition from idea validation to venture/product launch.

UC Riverside student in a greenhouse examining plants

OASIS

The Opportunity to Advance Sustainability Innovation and Social Inclusion (OASIS) is a public-private partnership led by UC Riverside to drive regional economic development through solutions-driven applied research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development around sustainability, clean technology, and social inclusion.

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