Research Magazine

Spring is known as a time of new opportunities for growth, and it’s only fitting as Auburn University finishes its spring semester that our research enterprise has been met with both new recognition of its success and new opportunities for great things yet to come.

In the latest National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey, Auburn was recognized among the top 100 research institutions in the country. It’s quite an accomplishment and one that means more eyes than ever will be watching the impactful work we’re doing. Our researchers are dedicated to finding real-world solutions to difficult problems while helping fuel economic growth, as we commercialize cutting-edge technologies developed right here at Auburn.

At the same time, Auburn is moving ahead with plans to open a spacious, recently purchased research facility located in Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park. This space will enable Auburn to build upon key research partnerships with government and industry and will add significantly to the growth we’ve seen in Auburn’s research portfolio in recent years.

As our cover story notes, the university has received its largest research award ever, for the comprehensive Detection Canine Science, Innovation, Technology and Education (DCSITE) program. Funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, DCSITE will be a collaborative effort involving multiple colleges and units across the university. Auburn’s work in the program builds upon 30 years of research and expertise in detection canine sciences, expanding efforts that are critically important in making our world a safer place.

As we all know, when we are faced with new opportunities, we sometimes encounter challenges. That is to be expected as we grow. However, having witnessed the dedicated and innovative work of Auburn researchers during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am confident we are on a trajectory to accomplish even more in our strategic efforts to build resilient communities, make our nation safer, improve health and health care, and advance smart technology solutions.

Auburn’s list of research accomplishments and recognitions is growing every day, and the result is a better world for everyone. Continue to follow us through our magazine and social media channels and learn more about how Auburn’s innovations and discoveries are making a difference.