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RESEARCH

The Difference Is Charlotte

As North Carolina’s urban R1 university, UNC Charlotte conducts research grounded in regional priorities and global relevance—connecting discovery to industry, community, and impact.

The Charlotte R1 Difference

  • Charlotte Biometrics Pioneer Fights Identity Crime With AI Hacker Know-How

    CITeR is beating hackers at their own game with advanced AI (deepfakes and face morphing) to create and detect biometric identity hacks.

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  • Eye Tech: Transforming ophthalmic health with AI

    AI technology can help diagnose ophthalmic diseases years before symptoms emerge

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  • Revolutionizing Gene Therapy

    Charlotte researchers develop Artificial Intelligence-Cell to design precision interventions.

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A Game Changer for the Charlotte Region and Beyond

As Charlotte has risen as a national financial and innovation center, UNC Charlotte’s research enterprise has grown with it, advancing artificial intelligence, energy, health care and cybersecurity while preparing the talent powering the region’s future.

Why R1 Matters

undergraduate research student at UNC Charlotte presents findings
Undergraduate Students
Attending an R1 university means expanded access to hands-on research, faculty mentorship and real-world discovery, preparing students with the skills and experience employers value most.
Graduate Students
R1 designation strengthens graduate education through competitive funding, advanced research facilities and collaboration with leading faculty, preparing graduates for leadership in academia, industry and public service.
Alumni
R1 designation enhances the value and recognition of a UNC Charlotte degree, strengthening its national reputation and expanding opportunities for alumni in competitive career fields.
Faculty
R1 status expands faculty research opportunities through increased access to major funding, interdisciplinary collaboration and national partnerships, strengthening UNC Charlotte’s role as a leading research institution.
Staff
R1 designation expands opportunities for staff to support and advance a growing research enterprise, contributing directly to discoveries that benefit the region and beyond.

By the Numbers

$94.9M
Research Expenditures
(2024-2025)
$282.3M
Total grant portfolio
(2024-2025)
Top 10
Nationally for new patents and startups per research dollar

Explore Research Across Our Colleges

female student in the science lab at the UNC Charlotte Klein College of Science
Klein College of Science
From biotechnology and advanced mathematics to nanotechnology, artificial intelligence and optical communications, the Klein College of Science is driving discoveries that expand scientific knowledge and impact society.
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UNC Charlotte Students working outside
College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences
Research in the college of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences explores human behavior, cultural challenges and the forces that shape our societal and physical world—creating knowledge that informs policy and improves communities.
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UNC Charlotte students in the nursing lab
College of Health and Human Services
Advancing health equity, innovating in patient care, and tackling public health challenges, the College of Health and Human Services focuses on research that saves lives, fosters health and wellness, and creates jobs.
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Three students from the Belk College of Business working around a computer
Belk College of Business
Focused on financial decision-making, economic analysis and organizational strategies for firms of all sizes, the Belk College of Business research fuels economic growth and industry innovation.
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UNC Charlotte professor working in the engineering lab
William States Lee College of Engineering
From pioneering sustainable infrastructure to advancing autonomous systems, the William States Lee College of Engineering is at the forefront of technological and industrial breakthroughs.
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Two female UNC Charlotte College of Computing and Informatics students working on laptops
College of Computing and Informatics
Through novel, impactful research in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity and bioinformatics, the College of Computing and Informatics is a respected leader in computing and tech innovation.
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UNC Charlotte student teacher with three students
Cato College of Education
Cato College of Education prepares highly effective and ethical professionals, leading the way in educational research, teaching and service through excellence and engagement.
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Three UNC Charlotte College of Arts and Architecture students at the innovation barn
College of Arts + Architecture
The College of Arts + Architecture believes creativity drives innovation and beauty fosters a thriving society. Through research, performance, and artistic creation, it advances arts and design for the future.
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Partner with Us to Advance Innovation

The Division of Research at UNC Charlotte fosters a dynamic environment for discovery, innovation and creative endeavors, supporting faculty in advancing knowledge that shapes the University and society. Through partnerships with industry, government and community organizations, the division translates research into real-world impact, driving economic and social progress in Charlotte and beyond. 

Visit the Division of Research