Research at UAF

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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

$246.3 million

in research expenditures for 2024

17,473

published journal articles

Triple crown status

Land, Sea, and Space Grant institution

News

Wild plants with pink and green leaves growing among tall grasses and shrubs.

Sep 04

The weekend trip closed with a drive home through the Alaska Range, and the steep scenery around Isabel Pass looked as glorious as it usually does -- except for one little flaw. Here and there, like pale flames along the creek banks, willows gleamed golden in the evening light. On the river's gravel bars and beside the road, dwarf fireweed leaves had turned a sunburned purple.

A group of children crowds against a wire fence to watch two reindeer in a green pasture as a staff member stands inside the enclosure, with autumn aspens visible in the background at the UAF Large Animal Research Station. One child holds a stuffed reindeer toy.

Sep 02

The ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Large Animal Research Station will celebrate the end of summer tour season with a Locals Day event on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A person working on solar panels, while another person is standing by the panels.

Sep 01

The Alaska Center for Energy and Power at the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø has received $3 million to study technology that can strengthen energy systems in remote and strategically important regions.

Events

Arctic Research Open House participants on UAF's West Ridge outside the Geophysical Institute and International Arctic Research Center
Arctic Research Open House

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.