The University of Illinois System is renowned for world-class research. At our universities, solutions to real-world problems are generated through exploration, collaboration, and innovation. Our faculty scholars and researchers are awarded grants and contracts that range from tens of thousands of dollars to multi-year, multi-million dollar projects.
Learn more about research at each university:
$1.32B
in research expenditures
Global leadership
Our universities are among the most innovative in the world and together receive more National Science Foundation grant dollars than any other research institution. Our top-notch researchers and developers are continually discovering practical applications for their research.
NCSA Mosaic™, the first graphical internet browser, was developed by a student and staff member in Urbana-Champaign.
Breadth of discovery
From accountancy and architecture to elementary education and fine arts, to social work and veterinary medicine, University of Illinois faculty conduct research that impacts lives, adds value to our classrooms, and enriches our communities.
UIC professor of physics and White House “Champion of Change” Siva Sivananthan developed military infrared night vision technology that helps keep our troops safe.
Creative solutions
Ranked in the top 30 worldwide in number of patents granted to universities, we don’t stop after the research is done. At our universities, we elevate ideas into sustainable businesses and global solutions.
Note: This section displays a visual of interactive data. Select the download data link for numbers of patents granted that follows which enables users to download a file for an alternative textual representation of the visual data.
Explore data about innovation transfer
UIUC Professor Carl Woese revolutionized molecular biology by discovering that life came in three forms rather than two.
“The creative enterprise is both our business and our passion. We leverage the potential of students and expertise of faculty to solve real-world problems and deliver real-world results.”
Peter Pfanner Executive Director, UIC Innovation Center