Our Mission University of Kentucky Research
The University of Kentucky supports and empowers innovative research in all forms practiced across our diverse campus, varied disciplines and more than 70 centers and institutes. UK faculty, staff and student researchers create, discover and apply new knowledge, and explore the most complex problems facing Kentucky, the nation and the world. Our collaborative, cross-disciplinary research environment provides a rich training ground for the next generation of thinkers, creators and leaders. Research and development at UK has a direct economic impact on Kentucky. The $476.5 million UK spent on R&D in FY22 generated $873 million in economic activity across Kentucky. As a result, 4,636 jobs were supported throughout the state of Kentucky, with 2,227 (48%) of those jobs directly supported by research initiatives.
By the Numbers
$488.4 million
in external grants and contracts awarded in FY24
$264.4 million
federal agency awards in FY24
1 of 34 U.S. universities
with the trifecta of research designations in cancer, aging & translational science
162 intellectual property
filed in FY 2024
$504 million
spent to carry out research & development in FY23
4,903 jobs
supported by FY23 research & development