Research at UAF

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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

$246.3 million

in research expenditures for 2024

17,473

published journal articles

Triple crown status

Land, Sea, and Space Grant institution

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.

News

On snowy ground, two helmeted men stand over fat-tired bikes laden with camping gear while snow falls around them. Behind them is a grove of willows, beyond which a few small buildings are visible.

Apr 10

A few hours ago, Forest Wagner and I shoved our loaded bikes up a ramp of snow and onto Front Street. After nine days and 265 miles, we are off Alaska's largest frozen river.

A wide view of Columbia Glacier in Alaska shows a broad river of ice flowing between dark, rocky mountains, with snow-covered peaks in the distance and floating ice in the water at the glacier’s front. Columbia Glacier, shown here in 2016, is about 20 miles west of Valdez and has been retreating since the early 1980s after roughly 200 years of stability.

Apr 10

The history of earthquake-like signals created by the crashing of glacial ice into the ocean can reveal how a glacier has changed over time, according to research by a University of Alaska Fairbanks team.

A small quadcopter unmanned aircraft system hovers above an M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle on a dirt training range at Fort Hood, Texas, with trees in the background. The scene, captured Aug. 27, 2025, during Operation Return of the Condor, shows the drone positioned overhead as part of testing for drone detection and counter–small UAS tactics.

Apr 09

Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks have launched a three-year effort to develop a new system to remotely detect and assess ground vehicles and low-flying aircraft, including drones.

Events

Arctic Research Open House participants on UAF's West Ridge outside the Geophysical Institute and International Arctic Research Center
Arctic Research Open House

Thursday, May 14, 2026
UAF West Ridge

Arctic Research Open House is an annual Arctic-research event for the community, demonstrating the science happening at UAF! Join this free event on May 14. to see how Arctic-research is relevant to you. Participate in scientific interactives, watch live demos, earn free prizes and stick around to grab a bite from a local food truck.

All ages welcome, minors must be accompanied by a guardian.

Research calendar