Research at UAF
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
News
Sep 24
UAF-led research found that previously burned areas can act as natural barriers to wildfire spread by reducing available fuels. The effect can persist for decades, although hot, dry and windy conditions make fires more likely to cross into younger burn scars.
Sep 18
Working with Indigenous observers on Alaska's northern coast, a research team has developed a way to improve the modeling of oceanic changes.
Sep 17
Alaska's drone research program successfully completed a 1,000-kilometer test flight carrying human blood samples for the International Testing Agency, which investigates doping by athletes at the Olympics and other major sporting events.
Events
Sept. 15-17, 2026
UAF Geophysical Institute photo by Bryan Whitten
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.