Skip to main content
Multiple images of researchers working in the field. The first image shows two student researchers, looking at a laptop by a stream in their high boots and weighters. The second image is a close up shot of a student researcher looking at creatures in glass containers. The third image shows two professors, wearing safety glasses, about to pour liquid nitrogen. The fourth image shows a researcher in the lab. The fifth image shows a group of researchers looking at foliage in plastic bags. The sixth image shows two researchers taking images for the library archive, one is standing on a stool while the other holds books open.

Serving North Carolina, Changing the World

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the 12th largest research university in the United States, ranking 11th in the nation for federal research expenditures. More than 150 Carolina faculty are members of the National Academies and other prestigious learned societies. A highly collaborative culture among researchers of all disciplines drives our $1.36 billion in annual research activity.


Logo for the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research

Driving Research, Accelerating Discovery and Translation

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research oversees, develops, and supports UNC Research, Carolina’s research enterprise. The office sets strategic priorities for research, manages proposals and awards, provides research infrastructure, identifies funding opportunities, develops research teams and partnerships, and oversees regulatory compliance, science and security, and ethics.

Research Roadmap branding. Uses the slogan 'Accelerate, Innovate, Transform'

The Research Roadmap is a strategic plan for UNC Research that accelerates our growth and competitiveness through innovative solutions while transforming relationships with our most valued stakeholders.

The Roadmap starts at our current state of excellence and arrives at an even more nimble, innovative, and entrepreneurial destination. It includes three strategic priorities necessary to sustain and propel our growth and two operational imperatives that enhance our infrastructure to support the priorities.

Learn more about the Research Roadmap

OVCR Research Centers and Institutes

A thriving research center or institute is a powerful force for new ideas and beneficial change. At UNC-Chapel Hill, these units work on some of the biggest, most pressing societal issues through cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Faculty members affiliated with research centers and institutes typically retain their appointments in discipline-based departments, continuing to teach students and mentor graduate students. The ability of research centers and institutes to address real-world problems in a comprehensive manner attracts external funding and helps North Carolina compete for economic development opportunities.