Research universities are unique in our nation’s system of higher education. Faculty at these institutions are engaged in a wide array of research and scholarship activities that inform and broaden knowledge in and across academic disciplines. These activities result in innovative new ideas, intellectual works, and discoveries that cure disease, protect our environment, secure our nation, grow the economy, and advance arts and culture in our local communities. Learn about how AAU universities impact people’s lives on a daily basis.
The federal government has fostered a unique partnership with America’s preeminent research universities for the last 70 years. This extraordinary partnership has resulted in astounding leaps in technological innovation, improved public health and well-being, sustained a dynamic American economy, and has helped build an unmatched military superiority.
Through a wide range of research, AAU universities are working to address our nation’s biggest challenges and communities’ most pressing needs.
AAU has created a series of special pages to highlight university research that address major societal challenges such as maintaining the supply of fresh water and learning about brain disease.
Federal budget constraints have reduced funding for research, even as other nations increase their own. We must strengthen our investment in research to maintain our scientific and technological leadership and our economic competitiveness.
The Golden Goose Award recognizes the tremendous human and economic benefits of federally funded research by highlighting examples of seemingly obscure studies that have led to major breakthroughs and resulted in significant societal impact.
