Skip to main content

Research, Partnerships & Innovation

UCF researchers drive intellectual capital and innovation to solve today’s most pressing problems. As an emerging preeminent university, we promote economic development in the region by aiding in the transfer of technology and other discoveries between university and industry to create next-generation ideas and products. From nanoscience to optics, from simulation to forensic science, UCF researchers work together to have real-world impact, improving the lives of our students and community. 

Going Public. Research, Protect, Promote, Commercialize

University Research Impact

UCF researchers attract more than $100 million annually in grants, gifts and sponsored awards. In addition to supporting innovative research, these financial resources help strengthen and diversify our local and state economy.

$145.8 Million in Research Funding
(2015-16)
#19 Ranking Among Public Universities
for Number of Patents, 2015
34 Licenses and Options
(2015-16)
925 Total Patents Secured

Multidisciplinary Research Clusters

UCF’s Faculty Cluster Initiative leverages our diverse talent, facilities, location and industry partnerships to foster the development of strong, interdisciplinary teams focused on solving today’s toughest scientific and societal challenges through teaching and research.

By adding new faculty members to select interdisciplinary fields of study, the initiative seeks to advance UCF’s unique areas of excellence and global impact.

Innovation in Action

When research yields a discovery, what happens next? At the Office of Technology Transfer, our team helps UCF discoveries go public through intellectual property protection, marketing and licensing processes. The office connects UCF researchers with companies and entrepreneurs to take the technology to market. By working together, we are able to make the greatest impact.

In addition to collaborating on research and commercialization, we are focused on unprecedented results. UCF professors have been recognized for their innovation and invention by the establishment of a local chapter of the National Academy of Inventors.

Colleges & Campus
UCF Awards Optics and Photonics Professor Shin-Tson Wu with Medal of Societal Impact
Wu’s pioneering research in the evolution of liquid crystal displays has led to cutting-edge display technologies used around the globe.
Colleges & Campus
UCF Collegiate Cybersecurity Competition Team Advances to Nationals for the ‘Super Bowl’ of Cyber Competitions
A team of STEM students took first place in the Southeast Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition and won three specialty awards.
Science & Technology
UCF Biology Researcher Receives 2023 Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize
The $100,000 award recognizes Professor Joshua King’s invention of a non-toxic way to manage fire ants and other ground-nesting insects.

Featured

Reptile Refuge

UCF to build a permanent sea turtle conservation research facility in Brevard County.

Read more

Serving our Faculty and Students

Faculty

UCF assists faculty in securing funding for their research. A searchable database of funded projects and a listing of services provided can be found in the Office of Research & Commercialization.

Graduate Research

Graduate students at UCF have access to renowned professors, talented mentors and state-of-the-art technology, and can take advantage of resources such as research seminars, discussion groups, professional development workshops and social events that support them as they progress through their studies.

Undergraduate Research

UCF professors engage students in their projects, giving them invaluable experience in the laboratory and in their chosen fields. The Office of Undergraduate Research and the Venture Lab create ideal environments for students, faculty and entrepreneurs to collaborate on research and provide business solutions.

Local Research, Global Impact

Strong relationships and a shared vision lead to successful partnerships right here in Central Florida. One such partner, the Florida High Tech Corridor, spans 23 counties and serves to attract and retain technology industries and a talented workforce in our area. UCF has solid relationships throughout the region that are built on mutual respect and common goals, and it’s clear that together we are making an impact.

In nearby Research Park, many of the 10,000 employees work with UCF researchers and students on projects in the sciences, engineering, photonics and optics, modeling and simulation and health-related fields. And our Business Incubation Program, which provides startup companies with the incubator tools and support they need to become stable and high-growth enterprises, has helped create and sustain more than 3,600 local jobs and have had an impact of $2.48B on regional economic output.