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Zhang's research focuses on intelligent robotic and human-robot collaborative welding systems as well as robotized welding manufacturing through machine-vision-based intelligence. Jeremy Blackburn | Research Communications.

YuMing Zhang, Ph.D., James Boyd Professor in Electrical Engineering and UK Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering director of International Partnerships, is one of 16 University Research Professors for 2023-24.

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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 $476.5 million UK spent on R&D in FY21 generated $873 million in economic activity across Kentucky. As a result, 4,636 jobs were supported throughout the state of Kentucky, with 2,227 (48%) of those jobs directly supported by research initiatives.

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

$476.5 million

spent to carry out research & development in FY21

4,636 jobs

supported by FY21 research & development

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