Think you know Penn State Research?
Think Again.
We challenge the standards of science, sustainability, space, technology, the arts, and social solutions. We are your university for solutions, innovation, and partnership.
Research Impact
Penn State research impacts people and communities around the world. Research discoveries and innovations drive job creation, enhance global security, improve medical care, and inspire future generations.
Andrew Read
We are dedicated to the “long game” of research across our enterprise. This means we are focused on impact and not only on scientific results or publications. Penn State Research brings solutions and innovations which result in visible changes in our communities, global health, economic wellness, humanitarian efforts and worldwide positioning against our most difficult issues, over many years to come. It’s time to understand the true impact of our research enterprise.”
We are an interdisciplinary research powerhouse.
Our research prowess is enabled through our eight interdisciplinary research institutes, our powerful Applied Research Laboratory, and the scientific caliber of our 18 colleges which all perform research from STEM to the arts, law, and communications.
$1.44 Billion
2024-2025 Research Expenditures
Ranked 26
Nationwide for Research Expenditures
2000+
Industry Partnerships in the last decade.
9000+
Industry Research Projects since 2013
Annual Reports
In FY 24-25, Penn State set a new record for research expenditures and continues to drive excellence and innovation in our world.
Research Magazine
150+ pages showcasing the breadth and depth of the Penn State Research. Take a look at impactful, inspiring, and illuminating stories in Penn State Research Magazine.
What's the Big News?
Penn State research enterprise continues to grow, produce positive impacts
Person-centered, bio-inspired research leads to improved control of prosthetics
$3M grant targets integrated semiconductor for smarter, greener electronics
Who are we?
Penn State is one of the largest universities in the nation. Our research and innovation is driven by faculty and students in our academic colleges, on campuses across the commonwealth, and through our interdisciplinary research institutes. We work with and serve students, communities, entrepreneurs, and partners around the world.
Institutes
Colleges
How do we work with you?
The Penn State Research Enterprise is an ecosystem where businesses, education, and research come together. In the past decade more than 2,000 companies have partnered with Penn State on over 9,000 projects.
Every Great Partnership Starts with a Connection.
There are many ways we can work and grow together. Here are just a few.
Involvement
- Research
- Co-development of projects and grants
- Internships & Co-ops
- Student Training Programs
- Talent Pipeline Program
- Centers of Excellence
- Commercialization Opportunities
- License Technology
- Research Park and Incubation Facilities
Support
- Core Facilities
- Student Consultant
- Hardware Grants
- Curriculum Dev
- Workshops/Seminars
- Student Org Sponsorship
- Student Mentorships
- Guest Speakers/Lecturers
Sponsorship
- Research projects
- New ventures
- Seed and venture funds
- Joint initiatives
- Student fellowships and scholarships
- Research consortiums
- Innovative facilities and equipment
- Outreach programs
Strategic Partner
- Cooperative business development
- Workforce development strategies
- Joint education-focused legislative petitioning
- Endowments and legacy opportunities
- Expanded talent pipeline
Here are 7 reasons why industry partners choose Penn State.
Companies and agencies large and small choose Penn State for equipment and workforce development, leasable space, and access to faculty and the largest alumni network in the world.
How do we impact our students?
Tomorrow’s brightest minds are working in Penn State research today. Research and creative inquiry opportunities exist in every discipline and in every year of academic study.
“I felt that Penn State was the best university for me to grow as a scientist and prepare for a future career.”
– Avery Sicher, 4th year graduate student
How does Philanthropy Advance Research?
Gifts to support research at Penn State are as varied as the questions being asked. From online contributions, to in-kind donations, and estate gifts — donors are cultivating curiosity across our institutes, colleges, and campuses.