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An engineering graduate student works on solar research in a lab on Centennial Campus.

An engineering graduate student works on solar research in a lab on Centennial Campus.  

Research

"Innovation will allow us to reach millions of people with research-based knowledge that strengthens our state and national economies, protects the environment, and improves the quality of life for North Carolinians."

Chancellor James L. Oblinger
NC State is a research-extensive university that takes its role as a problem-solver for the state, nation and world seriously. Research at NC State makes a powerful difference in people’s lives, whether it’s finding new ways of predicting hurricanes or discovering alternatives to petroleum-based fuels.

Research at NC State is an economic engine as well. NC State discoveries have resulted in more than 550 patents and dozens of companies that employ more than 13,000 people.

NC State research developments include:

  • The world’s first synthetic aorta
  • The prototype for an artificial retina
  • A blood cholesterol test that more accurately measures the risk of heart disease
  • Statistical models that will aid in designing new treatment strategies for HIV patients
  • Lighter, fire-resistant and biological agent-resistant turnout gear for first responders
  • Statistical software that led to the creation of SAS, the world’s largest privately held software company
  • A permanent nanocoating that, when exposed to light, kills or inactivates bacteria and viruses
  • Genomic sequence of the rice plant and its greatest enemy – the rice-blast disease pathogen

Innovation through collaboration

These discoveries are not arrived at in a vacuum, but from collaboration and partnership of great minds and leaders. On Centennial Campus, a national model for university research campuses for more than 20 years, research drives innovation daily as more than 1,800 corporate and government employees work alongside a thousand-plus NC State faculty, staff, post-docs, and students. Centennial Campus houses more than 130 companies, government agencies, and NC State research and academic units, including the colleges of Engineering, Textiles and Veterinary Medicine. Multi-disciplinary research and development "neighborhoods" find students working with faculty and leaders.