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Facts & Figures
| 6th | in the US for federal research among universities. |
| $1.15 billion |
in research activity annually. |
| 12th | largest US research university in research volume & annual expenditures. |
Our Mission
Cures and treatments for disease. New technologies. New industries for North Carolina and the world. At Carolina, we tackle tough challenges with multidisciplinary teams of top scientists and students whose diverse perspectives deliver creative, unprecedented solutions. As one of America’s top research universities, we conduct roughly $1 billion in research annually. We provide dedicated service to our sponsors and unprecedented opportunities for graduate students, postdocs and undergraduates.
— Terry Magnuson, UNC Vice Chancellor for Research
Strategic Research Priorities
By fostering and supporting collaborative, interdisciplinary teams, UNC Research is accelerating new discoveries and solutions to emerging challenges in these areas:
Brain
Cancer
Data Science
Environment
Infectious Disease
Opportunity, Well-Being, and Culture
Precision Health and Society
Stories Powered by UNC Research
Pandemic Worsens Depression, Anxiety Among First-Year College Students
After surveying 419 first-year college students about their mental health before and after the pandemic began, UNC researchers discovered that the prevalence of moderate to severe anxiety among this group increased by 40 percent, and moderate to severe depression increased by 48 percent.
Carolina Research in the News | Earlier News Stories…
The Tale of mRNA
UNC played an integral role in conducting clinical trials for the Moderna and Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about the years of mRNA research that made the development of these vaccines and trials more efficient.
Biostats and COVID-19 Impact
After studying biostatistics at UNC Gillings School of Public Health, Dr. Bonnie Shook-Sa joined the faculty. She researches statistical methods, health inequities & infectious diseases. When the pandemic arrived, she offered a more accurate picture of COVID-19 impact.
Reducing Carbon Footprint With Oysters and Marsh Grass
When it comes to helping in the fight against climate change, reducing your carbon footprint is a regularly suggested tactic. By burying carbon deposits into the sediment of a saltmarsh created by researchers, a project at the UNC Institute for Marine Sciences is helping Carolina do just that.