UNF ranks in top 10 for innovation impact productivity by George W. Bush Institute

The University of North Florida is ranked No. 9 in smaller universities for its innovation impact productivity by the George W. Bush Institute. UNF is recognized for its commitment to prioritizing research, empowering great researchers, building efficient and outcomes-focused technology transfer operations, instilling cultures of innovation and entrepreneurship, and engaging with surrounding business and innovation communities.

“I’ve been tracking the inputs and outputs of our research and development operations since I arrived at UNF in 2013, and on a proportional basis, we outperform our peers nationally,” said John Kantner, associate vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School. “Part of our ranking is attributable to our high contribution to STEM workforce at the undergraduate and graduate level, as well as the high scholarly output of our faculty.”

UNF offers an innovative model for the role of research in an urban comprehensive university. High-quality scholarship is expected from every tenure-track faculty member, and the University accordingly features a portfolio of basic, applied and translational research activity. The University also emphasizes the engagement of undergraduates in the vibrant research enterprise through faculty-mentored research and often as collaborators with faculty on conference papers and published articles.

Growth in research at UNF provides many opportunities for businesses and non-profit organizations to partner with faculty and students to solve their research and development needs, and also offers a number of excellent inventions with high commercialization potential.

An exciting example of innovative impact at UNF is MedNexus, the nation’s first comprehensive, university-based medical and healthcare nexus that will connect local healthcare providers with University students, faculty and researchers. With these partners and community support, UNF will develop unique experiential learning opportunities through immersion in existing health facilities, classes taught by experienced healthcare professionals and innovative research.

UNF’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in downtown Jacksonville offers students opportunities to participate in intern teams that support the needs of local entrepreneurs and provide hands-on learning experiences. Under the supervision of a faculty member, students engage in projects such as product development, marketing analysis and planning, financial statement creation, etc. These collaborations will enrich the UNF student experience and help the economy by assisting local entrepreneurs.

Research and innovation at the University of North Florida is increasingly impactful – for students, for regional partners and for solving larger challenges.