Research

Ҵýƽ wins $20M to lead National Quantum Nanofab facility

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Discovery at the Front Range of Human Inquiry and Impact

CU Engineering researchers work at the edge of what's possible, pursuing fundamental questions that expand knowledge and improve the human condition.

Across aerospace, quantum systems, artificial intelligence and autonomous technologies, sustainable energy and biomedical engineering, faculty and students pursue research with far-reaching impact. Quantum sensors detect hazardous gases, autonomous systems reach disaster zones too dangerous for people, climate models inform water policy across the West, energy research accelerates the transition to renewables and biomedical advances extend and improve human life.

Colorado's unique ecosystem of federal laboratories, joint research institutes and industry partners compresses the path from insight to application. Faculty build careers that span decades, drawn by ambitious science, meaningful impact and a place that sustains both the work and the life around it. Students contribute to this research from day one, joining an enterprise designed to reach beyond the Front Range and into the world.

$149 Million

in annual research expenditures
(FY 2025)

40%

growth in research expenditures
(2015-2025)

Top 20

graduate engineering program
(U.S. News and World Report, 2026)

20+

National Academy
members

Research in Focus

Quantum and Space

As we prepare to host the National Academy of Engineering Regional Meeting and Symposium for 2026, take a closer look at how our researchers are poised at the convergence of quantum technologies and space applications.

NAE Symposium

Fourteener Science

Optical atomic clock atop Mount Blue Sky will help capture the most precise measurement yet of how time moves faster the farther you get from the center of Earth.

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"Plasma Tunnel"

“If we’re taking more humans to orbit through space tourism, we need to do that safely and effectively.” - Hisham Ali, on how his one-of-a-kind “plasma tunnel” recreates extreme conditions spacecraft face upon reentry.

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Quantum Engineering Initiative

Created in 2021, QEI is a significant and strategic investment by CU Engineering into translational quantum engineering research, especially in the field of quantum sensing.

Quantum Engineering Initiative

Research Impact Areas

Our focus on interdisciplinary research teaming and building a culture that encourages collaboration means that we innovate beyond the boundaries of traditional engineering disciplines. Couple that with long-term relationships with nearby national labs and a strong entrepreneurial environment, and CU Engineering researchers are perfectly positioned to make real-world impact.

Biomedical and Materials Engineering

From tissue engineering and novel materials to next-generation biomedical devices.

Energy Systems

Tackling the big questions behind both conventional systems and the future of renewables.

Quantum Engineering

Investing in translational quantum engineering research, especially in quantum sensing.

Robotics, AI and Autonomous Systems

We’re pioneers in unmanned aerial vehicles and the building blocks of generative AI.

Sustainability & ResiliencyEngineering

From resilient infrastructure to sustainable design for manufacturing.

Aerospace

A major contributor to Colorado’s booming space economy, both in innovation & workforce.

Featured Research News

Recent Publications and News

Colorado is a national leader in aerospace and Ҵýƽ plays an important role in growing bothand industry. Our college produces highly educated workers and regularly partners with industry leaders like Ball, Locheed Martin and Northrop Grumman on projects for the Department of Defense and NASA.

Smead Aerospace Partners Industry Collaboration

Leaders in Collaborative Research

Q-SEnSE Institute

The new $25 million Quantum Systems through Entangled Science and Engineering institute on campus has deep roots in CU Engineering’s interdisciplinary research efforts. It is funded through the NSF's Quantum Leap Challenge Institute program.

Announcement

Center for Pervasive Personalized Intelligence (IUCRC)

A multi-university, industry-focused research center under the supervision of the National Science Foundation operating under the IUCRC model. The pre-competitive and industry-applied research projects within it are funded members like NEC Corporation and Dell Technologies, by our universities, and by the NSF.

Announcement

DOE-PSAAP Multidisciplinary Simulation Center

A $13 million Multidisciplinary Simulation Center funded by the Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Advanced Simulation and Computing program and organized under the Predictive Science Academic Alliance Program (PSAAP) in partnership with the NNSA national laboratories.

Announcement

Leaders in Innovation

Endowed Chairs, Professorships & Fellowships
National Academy Members
NAE Frontiers of Engineering Members
Early Career Awards

State-of-the-art laboratories and resources

The College of Engineering and Applied Science is home to several shared facilities to support faculty in their research. These facilities enhance the capabilities of individual labs and provide access to modern equipment as well as technical advising.

Research Facilities

Research Resources

Research Support Office (RSO)

RSO staff help junior faculty connect with key stakeholders,secure early career funding andprovide comprehensive support for large research proposals.

Student Research Opportunities

There are many opportunities for students to do research at the Ҵýƽ. Find the program that best fits you or investigate open positions through research facilities on campus.

CU Experts is a research and expertise discovery tool that will help you find anexpert on a specialized research topic.