The Heart of Research
We’re in this for the outcomes: thriving, resilient communities and industries.
UT works with
community partners to address health issues in East Tennessee
UT researchers and community partners are addressing key health challenges facing Knoxville and rural Appalachia, from opioid use disorder to Type 2 diabetes. They’re developing programs rooted in implementation science to improve the quality and effectiveness of health services.
William T. Grant Foundation announces funding for research-practice partnership
UT and federally qualified health center River Valley Health (formerly Cherokee Health Systems) were awarded a prestigious grant to grow their unique research-practice partnership and to model community-engaged scholarship that results in ongoing benefits for Knoxville families.
UT continues to build expertise in translating and implementing research discoveries into the real-world contexts where people live, work, and play. This is how we build leadership. This is how we truly make an impact.
Hollie Raynor
Executive Associate Dean of Research and Operations, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
SWORPS builds brighter futures for Tennessee families
UT’s Social Work Office of Research and Public Service models how universities can partner with communities to create real, measurable impact. For 50 years, SWORPS has delivered evidence-based, data-informed programs to promote social and economic well-being.
Future Forward Innovation Grant awarded to build AI career pathway
UT’s College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies and its partners have been awarded funding to develop an AI and data science career pathway that prepares Tennessee high school students for emerging roles in health care, technology, and other industry sectors.
Community stories
Robot Arms for Urban Farms
A fruitful multidisciplinary collaboration between UT professors and a local professional development organization is helping address food security. At the same time, they’re teaching valuable engineering skills to high school students with the help of FarmBot.
UT Institute of Agriculture Team Wins Grant to Advance AI Education, Career Preparation
The four-year US Department of Agriculture grant launched the creation of a hands-on curriculum to teach Tennessee’s future farmers, agriculture students, and community leaders about coding, drones, robotics, computer vision, and other AI-related technologies that help produce resilient food supplies.
Li Develops Revolutionary Flood Hazard Forecasting System
Haochen Li and an interdisciplinary team are enabling Appalachian communities to better assess flood risks, plan emergency responses, develop infrastructure, and implement mitigation strategies. Li intends to make this predictive tool publicly available via a web platform.
$500,000 Grant Supports Growth of Tennessee RiverLine in Appalachian Communities
The Tennessee RiverLine, a regional partnership led by UT Extension, received funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission to advance its mission of outdoor recreation, economic development, and community vitality in 15 communities.
UT, City of Knoxville Receive $4.3 Million to Plant Trees in Urban Areas
Two complementary grants awarded to UT and a Knoxville nonprofit partner are helping increase tree canopy coverage in communities that need it most while reducing stormwater runoff, mitigating extreme heat, and delivering additional ecosystem services.
Linking Art to Research on East Knoxville Neighborhood
Graduate research by a UT sociology alumnus on East Knoxville’s former Bottom neighborhood led to an exhibit at UT’s Downtown Gallery featuring new works by Southern artists, exploring social and political themes.
Join our research community
Community nonprofits, local and national businesses, and government partners all play a role in shaping research and outreach initiatives that make a real, lasting difference. Learn how your organization can get involved today.