Research at UNF
Research is the cornerstone of our academic excellence, empowering students and faculty to push the boundaries of knowledge and pursue groundbreaking discoveries. This commitment to inquiry extends far beyond our campus, creating meaningful solutions that uplift our community and spark innovation across industries. Through dedicated research at UNF, we can forge new paths, answer critical questions and build a world of endless possibility. Our researchers are helping build a more vibrant and resilient tomorrow, ensuring every discovery serves as a catalyst for growth and every breakthrough inspires the next generation of leaders to soar!
UNF Research: Powering Innovation, Creating Impact
100% experiential learning
All incoming students participate in at least one immersive, hands-on learning experience – including internships, research, leadership experiences and more.
Experiental Learning >>>
R2 Designation
One of only 139 institutions to receive the designation indicating a heightened emphasis on, and budget for, research projects and doctoral level programs.
UNF's Strategic Plan >>>
400 Presentations
400 presentations were given at our student research symposia series in 2025, representing all academic colleges and the Hicks Honors College.
Office of Undergraduate Research >>>
Soaring Into Space: UNF Students and Faculty Conduct Research with NASA
A team of seven UNF students and faculty traveled to Spain to collect scientific data during a total solar eclipse as part of NASA’s Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project. One of only three universities selected for the mission, students received hands-on experience in engineering and high-altitude research while collaborating with international partners to launch three scientific balloons. Building on UNF’s longstanding NASA partnership, the team will continue analyzing results and plans to validate its findings during a future solar eclipse.
Leading Innovation: Cultivating AI, Cybersecurity and Education Expertise
UNF received a more than $700,000 National Security Agency grant to develop AI-integrated cybersecurity curriculum for K–12 students and teachers through CyberJaxAI-PATH, a partnership with Florida State College at Jacksonville, Jacksonville University and Duval County Public Schools. Led by UNF computing professor Dr. Swapnoneel Roy, the initiative will provide hands-on learning, teacher training and pathways to higher education, with free educational resources shared nationally to help prepare students for careers in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Soar to New Heights:
Lead the Future of Discovery at UNF!
Expert-led Research, Real-World Results.
Our faculty and students are focused on solving problems facing the world today. With groundbreaking medical innovations, impactful environmental research along the coast, advancements in artificial intelligence and more, we’re shaping a brighter future for all.
Expert-led Research, Real-World Results.
Our faculty and students are focused on solving problems facing the world today. With groundbreaking medical innovations, impactful environmental research along the coast, advancements in artificial intelligence and more, we’re shaping a brighter future for all.
University Researchers Partnering in Aquatic Barrier Study
University Researchers Partnering in Aquatic Barrier Study
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funds research into aquatic organism passage, floodwater drainage and more.
NSF Grants Award To Reduce Flaws in 3D‑Printed Metal Parts
NSF Grants Award To Reduce Flaws in 3D‑Printed Metal Parts
The National Science Foundation awards UNF with funding to make 3D‑printed metal parts more reliable and less wasteful.
Students Examine Hospital Digital Reporting Capabilities
Students Examine Hospital Digital Reporting Capabilities
Graduate students at UNF examine how hospital characteristics influence the adoption of electronic data and automation.
University Researchers Partnering in Aquatic Barrier Study
University Researchers Partnering in Aquatic Barrier Study
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funds research into aquatic organism passage, floodwater drainage and more.
NSF Grants Award To Reduce Flaws in 3D‑Printed Metal Parts
NSF Grants Award To Reduce Flaws in 3D‑Printed Metal Parts
The National Science Foundation awards UNF with funding to make 3D‑printed metal parts more reliable and less wasteful.
Students Examine Hospital Digital Reporting Capabilities
Students Examine Hospital Digital Reporting Capabilities
Graduate students at UNF examine how hospital characteristics influence the adoption of electronic data and automation.
Research and Inquiry Areas of Focus
UNF is committed to inspiring relevant research and impactful innovation in these key research areas of focus.
Transportation and Logistics
Northeast Florida is an international transportation hub, providing access to rail, air, maritime and highway transportation while serving as a gateway to the eastern U.S. Supporting industries. UNF, being in the heart of Jacksonville, is uniquely positioned at the forefront of next-generation innovation where our researchers are collaborating with industry partners to fuel breakthroughs in autonomous systems, data‑driven logistics, and the intelligent, hyper‑connected infrastructure of the future.
Advanced Manufacturing
With the only advanced manufacturing degree offered in the state of Florida, UNF is preparing students to take on new leadership roles in this fast-growing field. Our faculty, students and partners are conducting innovative research that leverages standard/traditional as well as cutting-edge approaches like 3-D printing, AI-driven automation, digital twins, robotics and smart factory systems that will enable advances in production efficiency, precision, customization, sustainability and flexibility throughout the industry.
Coastal Resilience
Through interdisciplinary research, UNF's Institute of Environmental Research and Education is advancing coastal resilience and water stewardship. Surrounded by coastlines and waterways, North Florida provides a rich learning lab for UNF students and extensive opportunities for faculty to conduct collaborative research to strengthen our understanding of existing challenges and develop nature-based, engineered solutions aimed at reducing risk, sustaining ecological function and supporting long‑term adaptability of our coasts.
Data Science, Cybersecurity and Information Technologies
UNF students and faculty are working with industry leaders in data science, cybersecurity, fintech, and other fields to address needs and respond to technology trends that require innovative, adaptable solutions. UNF marked a major institutional milestone in 2024, launching a research-focused Ph.D. in Computing with concentrations in Intelligent Systems and Cybersecurity. Faculty and students in this program – the first Ph.D. offered at UNF – conduct advanced research in AI, machine learning, data mining, computer security and algorithms.
Healthcare and Health Sciences
Jacksonville’s world-class healthcare environment offers UNF students and faculty extraordinary opportunities to collaborate with industry experts and clinicians on research intended to drive innovative solutions to current and future healthcare challenges. Recognizing our unique capabilities and strong partnerships, UNF has prioritized filling the talent pipeline in nursing and other high-demand healthcare professions with students who have hands-on knowledge from their participation in our experiential learning programs and research projects.