Research at UAF
America's Arctic research university
UAF is the principal research university for the statewide University of Alaska system.
Our research engages undergraduate and graduate students so they gain skills and knowledge
to become tomorrow's leaders.
By the numbers
News
Aug 20
When large storms hit Western Alaska, some areas fare much worse than others. New research studying ex-Typhoon Merbok in September 2022 has found that a complex recipe of topography, tidal influences and seasonal water-level changes contribute to those differences. A ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø-led team determined that the shape of bays and estuaries in the region played a huge role in funneling and amplifying Merbok-driven storm surges.
Aug 19
A newly inked federal agreement will expand the scope of the research partnership between the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø and the U.S. military. It will also refocus those efforts on the Arctic.
Aug 14
The office phone rang while Brian Barnes discussed with me his need for wood frogs. The caller's loudness forced Barnes, a ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø associate professor of zoophysiology, to tilt the phone away from his ear.
Events
Thursday, May 14, 2026
UAF West Ridge
Join UAF Research for an inspiring day on West Ridge at Troth Yeddha' for the Arctic
Research Open House on Thursday, May 14, from 4–7 p.m. This annual event is hosted
by the UAF Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research.
From Fairbanks roots, UAF research branches across science, engineering, and creativity,
sprouting new solutions for Alaska and the Arctic. You’ll meet the researchers behind
the work and see how UAF research shows up in your community. Each stop gives you
something real to engage with, from lab experiments to field campaigns, all rooted
in solving problems faced by you and fellow Alaskans. To celebrate the Fairbanks community
and the work happening across campus, the UAF Vice Chancellor for Research will host
a free ice cream social.
Access to events and parking will be FREE across West Ridge. All ages are encouraged
for this free event, minors must be accompanied by an adult. For more information,
or to make an accommodation request at least five days in advance of this event, , email UAF-Research@alaska.edu or call 907-474-6000.
Research calendar
Research enterprise
UAF does high-quality research in a large number of fields. We're one of only a handful of institutions in the country that can claim the triple crown status of Land, Sea and Space Grant Institution.
Achieving R1 at UAF
With more than $200 million in research activity each year, the University of Alaska Fairbanks is Alaska's research university. We are ready to step up to R1 and join the top 4% of research universities in the United States.