Dedicated to a Thriving Future
We conduct research that makes life and lives better.
Our mission and strategy
UT is Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university and premier public research institution. Research plays a key role in fulfilling UT’s mission to empower learners, advance prosperity and well-being, and achieve excellence in all we do.
Our work is powered by partnerships. Together we leverage the real-world experience of our partners and the ingenuity of UT faculty, staff, and students to solve critical problems and create a better future.
Deborah Crawford
Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Economic Development
UT Research leadership
The Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development guides the university’s research strategy and builds and sustains our network of partnerships.
Regional strength, national influence
UT plays a vital role in building Tennessee’s fast-growing hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Pipelines in progress
Statewide investment in postsecondary education is helping develop both two- and four-year degree pipelines to support manufacturing and other key industry sectors in Tennessee.
East Tennessee’s powerhouse
UT works alongside regional anchors including the Tennessee Valley Authority, Y-12 National Security Complex, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to power economic growth, attract new businesses to the area, and meet national security and industry goals.
UT–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute
The UT–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute strategically aligns UT’s and ORNL’s expertise and infrastructure to usher in world-class interdisciplinary research and graduate education. Learn about UT-ORII convergent research initiatives.
Solving real-world challenges
We welcome new partners from our local community, across the nation, and around the world.