Research
Virginia Tech researchers are solving challenges in a rapidly changing world.
By distinguishing itself through excellence in research, scholarship, and creative activities, Virginia Tech convenes talent and collaborates with partners to strengthen the institution’s global impact.
Virginia Tech Research Frontiers
Research Frontiers are areas of focus that bring together diverse expertise transcending traditional discipline boundaries to address emerging challenges and opportunities that seek to improve the human condition and create a better world for all.
The Artificial Intelligence Frontier
Harnessing artificial intelligence for intelligence augmentation
Building on expertise in artificial intelligence and data science, systems engineering, neuroscience, human factors, robotics, immersive visualization, and education, among others, to accelerate human-technology partnerships toward seamless augmentation, ethically and sustainably.
The Health Frontier
Leading one health to achieve whole health
Changing the focus on disease and symptoms to one of whole health, integrating intersections of animal, environment, and human health and building in communities and systems to empower multifaceted well-being.
The Security Frontier
Innovating for secure and resilient communities
Ensuring communities are prepared to face global threats, from climate change to cybersecurity to national defense through advances in preparation, defense, mitigation, and recovery.
The Quantum Frontier
Advancing the quantum leap
Using an unparalleled transdisciplinary focus to accelerate the integration of quantum technologies across society, realizing unprecedented computing and communication capabilities and restructuring our social framework.
Impact and Recognition
Virginia Tech faculty are winning competitively funded research awards and being selected as fellows and members of prestigious societies. They are highly cited by their peers, educating the brightest minds, and collaborating across disciplines, industry, and government to make the world a better place for all.
World Class Infrastructure Propels Research
In 1987 Virginia Tech was designated an R1 institution, which is the highest designation for research universities. With locations in Blacksburg and Roanoke, Virginia, and the Washington D.C. metro area including the Innovation Campus, Virginia Tech’s research enterprise encompasses over $419 million in sponsored research expenditures in fiscal year 2023.
Preparing Graduates for a Purpose-Driven Career
Research is integral to education and training throughout the higher ed continuum. From undergraduate experiential learning via research in the lab, field, and internships — to the development of scholarship and expertise as graduate student — to the establishment as independent researcher as postdoctoral scholar — Virginia Tech offers a variety of research experiences that enrich academic development.
Dedicated Professionals Making Connections
An unparalleled industry-ready talent pipeline, Virginia Tech forges new partnerships and strengthens existing partnerships to bring world-class research to market and commercializes discoveries for economic, social, and global good.
Impact and Research Support
Read about Virginia Tech researchers making an impact on the world. And learn more about the Office of Research and Innovation, which provides services and support that help faculty, staff, and students from across nine colleges and seven research institutes, plan, perform, and commercialize groundbreaking research.
