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

Two arcticola dunlin walk across a patch of lingering snow near a road in Utqiaġvik, Alaska, in June 2021. The small shorebirds have mottled brown backs, pale faces and black bellies, and are shown in profile against a soft, snowy background.

May 22

The population of a plump northern Alaska shorebird weighing just over 2 ounces has been declining for decades. Reversing that decline will require additional conservation efforts at some of the birds' East Asia wintering grounds, according to new research.

A man with glasses and a mustache stands in front of a green chalkboard with scrawled diagrams.

May 22

In my daily "science class," I am always the student hoping for a passing grade from the scientist whose work I'm writing about.

A grain silo is next to a group of red-painted agriculture processing buildings

May 21

The 2026 Western Society of Crop Science annual conference will be held in Fairbanks on June 23-24. The conference will take place at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. It will bring together plant science students, faculty and researchers from public and private institutions across a broad geographic region of North America.

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, visit our Facebook 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.