Research Areas of Impact
In fiscal year 2025, UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science achieved a record level of research activity, securing more than $50 million across 325 externally funded research awards — the largest total in our history. These projects were made possible by the support of more than 80 federal, state and private-sector sponsors.
Our dedicated faculty and students are driving innovation in fields like cybersecurity, transportation, construction, space robotics, and semiconductors and microelectronics. Their work goes beyond theory — it's leading to real-world solutions that make a difference in people’s lives.
Cross-cutting Technologies
Engineering and technology that occurs where two engineering fields meet — like the civil engineering of a bridge with the enviromental engineering of its impact on the surrounding area.
Modeling and Simulation
Using models to simulate processes and gather data, and then use that data to improve the product or process at a lower cost than actually performing the process.
Materials
The design and discovery of new materials.
Sensors
Sensors are devices that measure change in security, safety, and medicine.
Industry 5.0
Home to seven Fortune 500 companies, Cincinnati industry looks to us to facilitate innovation. We are committed to improving manufacturing processes, automation, AI, and more that can streamline and impact our city's infrastructure.
Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Interpretting large amounts of data quickly to improve the intelligence of machines.
Cybersecurity
Protecting computer systems and networks from manipulation, damage, and theft.
Robotics & Uninhabited Systems
The design, construction, and operation of unmanned machines.
Medical and Health Sciences
The close proximity to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and Cincinnati Children's Hospital offers a unique opportunity for research collaborations in the bioinformatics and tissue engineering fields, with access to top doctors and renowned hospitals to influence research and beyond.
Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine
Replacing or regenerating cells to restore function.
Bioinformatics
Using computation to better understand biology, like monitoring heart rate or body temperature.
Urban Futures
As an urban university, our impact on our region matters. Breakthroughs in environmental footprint can change the way we live, innovations in constructing new buildings can improve the way we work, and discoveries in transportation efficiencies can alter how we maneuver.
Water, Energy, and Environment
Innovating within the linkages of water, energy and environment.
Transportation & Infrastructure
Cincinnati's diverse infrastructure keeps researchers on their toes. Revolutionizing historic preservation, transforming new construction, and altering transportation are key factors to a city like ours.
Smart Buildings
From improving technology that controls water irrigation to utilizing sustainable building materials, the field incorporates environmental footprint with innovations to improve the landscape of new and existing buildings.