research – SHAPING WHAT’S NEXT

UNC Charlotte faculty have conducted record levels of research and found novel ways to work, collaborate and innovate. Their creativity and persistence has led to extraordinary growth of our research enterprise and agenda, and the advancement of the region’s high-value economic sectors.

In addition to receiving a record $58 million in government, corporate and private research awards in fiscal year 2021, Charlotte faculty were busy seeking additional funds — submitting 790 proposals for over $300 million — for 2022 and beyond. Last year, sponsored research helped support more than 643 graduate students, research scientists and engineers.

Charlotte’s tradition of innovation and discovery continues to produce a wide range of breakthroughs and new technologies. Our faculty and student inventors have received 85 new patents ranging from cancer diagnostics to solar panels, placing us among the country’s top institutions for innovation productivity and technology commercialization. Fueling the transfer of discoveries from the laboratory to market are Ventureprise, Charlotte’s entrepreneurship and innovation center, and PORTAL, the campus home and incubator for over 35 startups and growth companies.

Elevating Research Excellence

Expanding research activity and opportunity, exploring answers to complex societal challenges and cultivating talent to meet critical workforce needs are central to Shaping What’s Next, UNC Charlotte’s Strategic Plan 2021-31. Critical in this plan is elevating the University to a top-tier research institution.

The Top-Tier Research Commission, composed of 25 faculty and administrators, developed a plan to achieve this goal and have identified the University’s signature research areas th

at will offer opportunities for growth, future investment and participation by faculty across all disciplines.