Research and Outreach
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From investigating health needs of the elderly to unlocking the complexities of subatomic particles, research of University of Alabama faculty and graduate students pushes past the boundaries of current knowledge and opens new vistas of possibility. Our public service and outreach programs assist many citizens of our country and range from centers that serve infants and young children to those for medical and business communities.
The University Libraries manage more than two million cataloged items, with important special collections in Southern history, literature, and politics, and extensive online resources. The newest additions, the Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering and the Angelo Bruno Business Library, enhance our information services for graduate students.
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External funding for teaching, research, and service programs is obtained from federal agencies, state agencies, local government agencies, private enterprises, and foundations. Activities conducted with the use of external funds are as diverse as the sources of the funds. The University annually receives almost $100 million through externally sponsored programs. A few of our many campus programs are as follows:
- The Tom Bevill Energy, Mineral, and Material Science Research Building is the first energy-research center at a southeastern university.
- UA’s aquatic ecology program is the steward of one of only 20 core sites announced in the new NSF NEON (Natural Ecological Observatory Network) program.
- The graduate program in creative writing sponsors the Bankhead Visiting Writers Series, which showcases writers of national and international reputation.
- The University’s Center for Materials for Information Technology (MINT) is one of the world’s leading centers for research on magnetic recording technology and advanced concepts in information storage.
- The Child Development Research Center enhances interdisciplinary research for graduate students and faculty and houses child care facilities for infants, toddler, and preschoolers.
- The UA Institute for Communication Research is one of the premier facilities for investigating a wide range of communication behaviors.
- The Alabama Institute for Manufacturing Excellence (AIME) advances efficient and environmentally responsible manufacturing technologies.
Perhaps one of the most significant aspects of external support is the funding provided for graduate students. This funding provides monthly stipends for the students, as well as payment of tuition, fees, and health insurance. It gives them excellent opportunities for hands-on experience and research.
