Research

A Preeminent Research Institution

FIU researchers know curiosity is just the first step to something greater. That’s why they push further, turning their curiosity into impact—deep below the ocean surface, high up among the stars or right in our body’s microscopic structures.

Boasting top national performance in scholarly productivity, we're redefining what it means to be a Preeminent State Research University. FIU ranks in the top 3% of the nation's 4,300 colleges and universities in research production and holds the elite Carnegie Research Designation of R1: Very High Spending and Doctorate Production.

Research by the Numbers

• $305M FY 2023-24 research expenditures
• $1.4B Research expenditures in the last 5 years
• Top 30 Public university in U.S. utility patents granted

Learn more about FIU Research

Aquarius Reef Base

FIU leads the world’s only underwater research laboratory while working to preserve the oceans by leveraging AI and autonomous monitoring systems and establishing the world's deepest coral nursery. Aquarius is equally vital for its role as a training ground for simulated spaceflight, most recently being used by NASA and ESA to train two astronauts for the Artemis II mission.

Wall of Wind 

FIU’s 14-foot-high, 12-fan Hurricane Simulator recreates 157-mph winds to inform new standards, technologies and practices for environmental resilience and infrastructure scalability in the wake of significant extreme-weather challenges. Looking ahead, the Wall of Wind will be a cornerstone of NICHE, a groundbreaking facility that will serve as the next chapter of FIU's extreme-event research. 

Heart Research

From research into acoustic heart analysis, to artery and valve treatments, to robots in the operating room—the next era of cardiovascular research is being jumpstarted by FIU innovation. The newly established Center for Innovation in Cardiovascular Health combines engineering, public health, nursing and beyond to improve heart health.

Alzheimer's Research

FIU is exploring new methods for detecting Alzheimer's disease, one of the greatest medical challenges of our time. Research into neuroinflammation biomarkers and environmental conditions' effects in the brain could be the key to detecting Alzheimer's disease early. That would provide crucial, additional time to slow the disease's progression and provide a better quality of life to patients.

Functional Precision Medicine

FIU cancer researchers know that treating this deadly disease isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Through intensive clinical studies and collaboration with Nicklaus Children's Hospital, FIU cancer researchers are developing new methods for guiding cancer treatment. This new approach has provided safer, more readily accessible, effective and affordable options for doctors to treat some of the deadliest children's cancers.

FIU Research Magazine

FIU is conducting research across every discipline, on every continent and in every ocean. The FIU Research Magazine provides a glimpse into that research, summarizing a year's worth of transformational innovation and the scientists responsible for it.