| Clarkson University

Advancing Solutions to Global Challenges

Clarkson University is at the forefront of cutting-edge research, exploring new technologies and developing innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. Through transdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships with industry leaders, Clarkson's research community endeavors to make a meaningful impact on society and create a better future for all.

We focus on research in four areas:

Advanced materials development.
Computational and data-enabled discovery.
Healthy global solutions.
Next-generation medicine and healthcare.

Advanced Materials Development

Our innovations in tailored material design, synthesis and modeling, functional materials and devices, sensors and sensing systems, drug management and diagnostic tools and material sourcing and supply chains improve quality of life, accelerate technology performance and ensure sustainable management practices.

Center for Advanced Materials Processing (CAMP)

Computational and Data-Enabled Discovery

Clarkson researchers cut across disciplines to understand the associations within complex multimodal data sets from countless sources and settings, ranging from modern sensor technologies to computational-rich engineering to social media analytics. Clarkson's strengths in dynamical systems lead to innovations learned from data, sensors and controls, business intelligence and financial technology and artificial intelligence.

Clarkson Center for Complex Systems Science (C3S2)

Center for Identification Technology Research (CITeR)

Healthy Global Solutions

Clarkson's innovative research teams collaborate with the goal of reducing public health threats, ranging from environmental contamination to lack of medical care. We develop energy policies and technologies that lead to the creation of sustainable infrastructure, healthy waters, smart communities and secure societies.

NYS Center for Excellence in Healthy Water Solutions

Center for Air and Aquatic Resources Engineering and Sciences (CAARES)

Next-Generation Medicine and Healthcare

We engage in emerging approaches to innovative technologies for preventing, detecting and treating disease, including therapeutic strategies and approaches that change how we make economic, entrepreneurial, social and ethical decisions. Close affiliations with organizations like the renowned Trudeau Institute and Mount Sinai Hospital put Clarkson at the forefront to lead new healthcare innovation, management and access.

Center for Rehabilitation Engineering, Science and Technology (CREST)

Make An Impact

We welcome your curiosity — from the classroom to our research labs. Learn more about the research opportunities extended to our students and how you can get involved.

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Research

Innovation and Research That Matter to the World

At Clarkson University, we’re a solutions-driven community of doers. We lead with a mission of discovery, and that mindset fuels boundary-pushing innovations in engineering, business, the sciences, technology and healthcare. What we discover today influences the sustainable infrastructure, new technologies and advanced patient care of tomorrow, plus so much more.

As a private national research university, we extend opportunities to both undergraduate and graduate students, fortifying our reputation as a proven leader in technological education. At the same time, we consider our broader impact: as America’s Corporate Partner University, we strive to fast-track innovation that solves industry challenges, addresses marketplace needs and cultivates leadership and entrepreneurship among our student body. Learn more about the role of research in a Clarkson education and how we influence innovation on campus and beyond.

Igniting New Discoveries

We solve real-world problems to create a better and more sustainable future. This mission shapes our approach to education, research and their intersection in graduating students ready to make an impact in their respective fields.

Pursue Transdisciplinary Research

Clarkson is a leader in transdisciplinary research. Research and scholarship at Clarkson ignite connectedness across disciplines, industries and cultures and lead to new, world-relevant discoveries in engineering, the sciences, technology, healthcare and business. Our faculty shape the conversations in these areas, while our students graduate ready to put their ideas into action and propose, implement and optimize solutions.

Take Part in Federally Funded Research

Supporting our mission to uncover new solutions that can be applied on a global scale, our research receives federal funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DoE) and other organizations.

Influence Sustainable Economic Development

We look to engineer a more sustainable future. Our research focuses on protecting water, air and habitats, reducing public health threats and influencing sustainable infrastructure and smart community development.

Industry Partnerships

Clarkson has established partnerships with some of the nation’s biggest industry players. Our external network engages more than 380 external partners in industry, government agencies and research organizations, affording students access to real-world problems as they work to create a better future.

Research Specialties and Focus Areas

We pursue interdisciplinary research with the collaborative mindset, skills and intellectual curiosity needed to rapidly solve real-world problems for a better future. Our efforts extend across four focus areas:

Advanced materials development.
Data and complex systems analytics.
Healthy world solutions.
Next-generation healthcare technologies.

Our discoveries emerge as advancements in electronics, aerospace, biotechnology, health, safety and security, mechanical systems, energy generation, storage and manufacturing technology and sustainable development.

Our Research Focus Areas

Student Research and Opportunities

Students at all levels gain hands-on experience working alongside world-class faculty members.

Undergraduate

Research opportunities are open to undergraduate students — even before their freshman year begins. Explore real-world applications of your discipline, spark your curiosity and hone your leadership, entrepreneurship, problem-solving and analytical skills in preparation for the workforce. Access opportunities during the school year and summer months, including on campus and abroad.

Study and Research Abroad

Reflecting our boundary-pushing approach to innovation, students can engage in research through one of our partnering universities or through immersive programs closer to home such as the Adirondack Semester.

Graduate

Research shapes many of our graduate programs. Get involved in federally, state- or industry-funded research while utilizing our state-of-the-art centers and labs. In recent years, our graduate students have led advances in innovative computational methodologies; using artificial intelligence (AI) to repair damaged objects; monitoring and controlling air pollution through low-cost air quality sensors and the intersection of geotechnical and environmental engineering to investigate post-glacial features in the St. Lawrence River Valley.

Summer Research Programs

Challenge and dedicate yourself to uncovering solutions during the summer months. For undergraduate students, our Summer Research Programs present an opportunity to continue this pursuit.

It’s so amazing that right from the beginning, I was able to get started working hands-on in research through this program, and now am able to work as an intern for Dr. Visser’s company, Ducted Wind Turbines, Inc.

Jack DiMeo '23, BS in Mechanical Engineering, BS in Aerospace Engineering

Our Faculty

Our nationally recognized faculty have made Clarkson a top-tier research university. From receiving multimillion-dollar government grants to signing contracts with prominent industry partners, our faculty are experts in what they do.

Our faculty have received national accolades for projects ranging from a high-tech campus greenhouse to enhancing internet security.

Meet Our Faculty

Research Centers and Labs

Clarkson faculty conduct collaborative research and connect with a wide range of research centers and labs across campus, such as:

Center for Advanced Materials Processing (CAMP)

Center for Air and Aquatic Resources Engineering and Sciences (CAARES)

Center for Identification Technology Research

Center for Rehabilitation Engineering Science and Technology (CREST)

Clarkson Center for Complex Systems Science (C3S2)

Institute for a Sustainable Environment (ISE)

NYS Center of Excellence in Healthy Water Solutions

Clarkson Ignite

Technology and Patents

Through the Shipley Center for Innovation, Clarkson faculty capitalize on emerging-tech innovations to create cutting-edge ventures that help solve problems worldwide.

Shipley Center for Innovation

Information for Researchers

Learn more about regulatory information, including the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP), the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

View Regulatory Information

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Schools, Institutes & Centers

Industrial laser machine cuts out parts in sheet steel

Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

In today's economy, companies must move faster than ever. Coulter faculty and grads are in high demand as the engineers who can conceive, design, manufacture and rapidly bring to market the products and solutions that address today's toughest challenges and most exciting business opportunities.

Reh School of Business sign with a golden knight

David D. Reh School of Business

Launch your career in one of the best business schools in the nation. Designed in partnership with industry leaders, our business programs at a technological institution give you the know-how to meet the challenges of today's global economy.

Earl R. and Barbara D. Lewis School of Health Sciences

We are a national leader in preparing highly trained healthcare professionals to meet rural and distance-challenged healthcare environments through a growing portfolio of programs that advance careers, access, innovation and ethics.

Institute for a Sustainable Environment

Learn and do what matters today for tomorrow: discover Clarkson's interdisciplinary hub for bold sustainability projects and environmental education to innovate healthy world solutions that ultimately protect air, water and habitat resources.

Institute for STEM Education

We are committed to supporting and nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders. Find out more about our K-12 outreach and pedagogical programs for aspiring and current STEM teachers.

The Clarkson School - Early College Program

As the second oldest early college program in the country, we understand that some students are ready for college earlier than many of their peers. If the challenge of university academics sounds more appealing than simply returning to high school, we welcome you to explore The Clarkson School.

Clarkson Ignite

The premier innovation hub at Clarkson University. Fueled by a passion for creativity and hands-on learning, we’re here to inspire and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset in every member of the Clarkson community, including you!

Egon art that was donated. Someone playing a string instrument

Arts, Culture & Technology Department

To graduate well-rounded professionals ready to tackle challenges from multiple angles, the Department of Arts, Culture and Technology offers a wide range of courses in anthropology, literature, communication, art, political science, history, gender and sexuality, philosophy, and sociology, as well as several minors.

Honors Program

Clarkson’s Honors Program can prepare you for a career that changes our world through new ideas in engineering, the sciences, healthcare, business or technology. The program starts you on this path even before your first year begins.