University of Arizona Research, Innovation & Impact
Research is essential to advancing society, driving innovation, strengthening our communities, growing our economy and workforce, and tackling the complex challenges we face.
The Office of Research, Innovation and Impact (RII) expands the capacity of U of A research and innovation enterprise with a focus on translating big ideas into important new knowledge and using the power of that knowledge to improve lives and communities in Arizona and across the globe.
Our Culture
With a culture of service, principles of diversity and inclusion, and an entrepreneurial mindset embedded in all we do, we empower researchers and students to embrace possibility. By removing academic boundaries and connecting diverse minds and experience, we use research to solve real-world problems. By cultivating powerful partnerships with industry, government, federal agencies, non-profits, other academic institutions, our state, and our communities, we create impact through transformational research and innovation.
Our Commitment to the Student Experience
As an R1 institution, our students have the unique opportunity to engage with leading-edge faculty and world-class research opportunities that span the academic spectrum from the creative arts and humanities to the social, health, and applied sciences. From climate change to planetary defense, and pandemic preparedness to healthy aging, our students can leave college with the skills and mindset necessary to be highly competitive in the workforce and contribute to solving societal challenges.
Our Credentials
Established in 1885 and synonymous with academic and research excellence, the Carnegie-recognized R1, University of Arizona, is the state’s land grant institution. Ranked among the nation's top 50 public universities by U.S. News & World Report and #16 for the employability of its graduates, U of A is in the top 4% of all universities - both public and private - with more than $955 million in research and development activity in FY23 as ranked by the National Science Foundation.
The university is ranked #1 in astronomy and astrophysics, #2 in U.S. water resources, #5 in NASA-funded activity, and #6 in the physical sciences. As a member of the Association of American Universities, the 71 leading U.S. public and private research universities, U of A is recognized for advancing interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships.
Areas We Support
- Funding opportunities and seed grants
- Proposal development and submission
- Award management
- Project administration
- Stewardship, compliance, and safety services
- Best practices training
- Internal and external collaborations
- Industry and public partnerships
- Centers, institutes, museums, and specialized facilities
- Research communications and marketing
- Protection of university inventions through intellectual property
- Commercialization of university inventions and technologies to the marketplace
- Start-ups and tech talent