Our Mission University of Kentucky Research
The University of Kentucky supports and empowers innovative research in all forms practiced across our diverse campus, varied disciplines and more than 70 centers and institutes. UK faculty, staff and student researchers create, discover and apply new knowledge, and explore the most complex problems facing Kentucky, the nation and the world. Our collaborative, cross-disciplinary research environment provides a rich training ground for the next generation of thinkers, creators and leaders. Research and development at UK has a direct economic impact on Kentucky. The $417 million UK spent on R&D in FY20 generated more than $772 million in economic activity across the Commonwealth. In Fayette County, 2,082 jobs were created and across the state more than 4,300 scientific jobs were created.
By the Numbers
$453 million
in external grants and contracts awarded in FY22
$256 million
federal agency awards in FY22
1 of 29 U.S. universities
with the trifecta of research designations in cancer, aging & translational science
143 patent applications
filed in FY 2022
$429.2 million
spent to carry out research & development in FY21
4,395 jobs
supported by FY20 research & development