Research at UAF

Explore core research areas

 

Research in the Arctic

UAF research encompasses the human and physical aspects of life in the North. Our work is highly collaborative and interdisciplinary, and many UAF researchers have appointments in two or more academic or research units. No part of the university is untouched by the quest for answers.

 

Research funding

National Science Foundation (NSF)

$52.6M in 2024

Department of Defense (DoD)

$22.1M in 2024

NASA

$24.7M in 2024

 


Core research areas

UAF’s research excellence spans a wide array of disciplines, driving innovation and tackling global challenges. With over 17,000 journal publications, our world-class researchers are making impactful contributions across fields such as environmental science, engineering, and more. This impressive output underscores UAF's leadership in advancing knowledge and fostering groundbreaking discoveries.

 

Pie chart illustrating the breakdown of research at UAF among the areas of Earth and Planetary Sciences; Agricultural and Biological Science; Environmental Science; Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology; Physics and Astronomy; Engineering; Social Sciences; Other
Aerial view of a snow-covered volcano

Earth and planetary sciences

Arctic ground squirrel

Agricultural and biological science

Ice wedges

Environmental science

 


UAF research institutes

UAF leads research in northern and Arctic regions, leveraging our unique location, state-of-the-art facilities, and expertise to advance  knowledge of the Arctic and beyond. From geophysics to food security, UAF drives innovation and solutions in critical areas. Our core research domains include the following:

IANRE researcher Anna Drew harvests a batch of tomatoes from the UAF Experimental Farm.

Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension

Institute of Arctic Biology Lab with Diane O'Brien, front, and Mackenzie Hawkins and Jessica Johnson, back, on the UAF campus

Institute of Arctic Biology

A student prepares a thin slice of ice for inspection of its crystal formation in the Elvey Building's ice lab.

International Arctic Research Center

Wind turbines and solar panels are part of the Kotzebue Energy Association's renewable energy farm

ºÚÁÏÉçappCenter for Energy and Power

A bridge over an icy river

Institute of Northern Engineering

The aurora dances over Poker Flats Research Range while scientists and artists waited for ideal conditions to launch a research rocket.

Geophysical Institute