Research

Breakthroughs Happen Here

Groundbreakers come to the Â鶹´«Ã½ to find answers and ask bold new questions. A research powerhouse by any measure, we are consistently among the top U.S. institutions for National Institutes of Health funding. Here, you’ll find students diving into research in their first term. The prerequisites? Curiosity, a solid work ethic, and a sense of purpose.

Innovation

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Pitt empowers faculty members and students to innovate, create businesses and transform society and their own careers.

Undergraduate Research

Student Research

Undergrads can begin conducting hands-on research with expert faculty members as early as their first year at Pitt.

Libraries

Libraries

The University's libraries stand at the center of intellectual life on campus. Pitt is a member of the prestigious Association of Research Libraries.

Pitt Research

Hail to excellence in research and innovation.

Pitt people are developing cures and therapies for diseases, working with communities to battle the opioid epidemic, supporting small businesses, and building the future of advanced manufacturing—among many other contributions.

Research News

$1B+ in Research

$1B+ in Research Pitt brings more than $1 billion external research funding to Pennsylvania each year.

PA Economic Impact $4.2B

PA Economic Impact $4.2B Pitt generates billions of dollars for Pennsylvania's economy.

83+ Companies in Five Years

83+ Companies in Five Years Pitt spinoff companies lead the way in life-changing inventions and innovations.

No. 6 in NIH Funding

No. 6 in NIH Funding Pitt ranks among the nation's great universities in National Institutes of Health funding.

4 MacArthur 'Genius' Awards

4 MacArthur 'Genius' Awards Awarded to individuals who have shown extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits.

5 National Medal of Science Winners

5 National Medal of Science Winners Bestowed by the President of the United States to outstanding contributors to science and engineering.

8 National Academy of Sciences Members

8 National Academy of Sciences Members Created by President Lincoln, the NAS provides independent advice to the government on science and technology.
Research News
Pittwire

Cells Need to Talk—but Not Too Much

Pitt physicists break down how cells communicate.

Innovation & Research

Why Do Galaxies Stop Making Stars?

A huge collision in space provides new clues, Pitt researchers find.

Innovation & Research

Pitt Researchers Pull 700,000 Years of Glacial History from an Andean Lakebed

It’s the longest-ever glacier record for the tropics, and it could help scientists better understand modern-day climate change.

Innovation & Research

Saving Patients Who Had Run Out of Options

Bacteria-killing viruses discovered by Pitt researchers are saving patients with deadly infections that were unresponsive to antibiotics. 

Innovation & Research

Adding Sense of Touch Improves Control of Robotic Arm

In a paper published in the journal Science, a team of bioengineers from the describes how adding brain stimulation that evokes tactile sensations makes it easier for the operator to manipulate a brain-controlled robotic arm.

photo of Ryan Lefebre (left) and Andrew Mugler
image of a galaxy
photo of a large drill on a lake
photo of Pitt's Graham Hatfull and his research team
Robotic Arm
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Dive deeper into Pitt Research:

Research Breakthroughs

Pitt Research Spaces

HERL Lab
Human Engineering Lab

Located in Pittsburgh’s Bakery Square business park, the (HERL) is dedicated to improving the mobility and function of people with disabilities.

Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology
Pymatuning Lab

The (PLE) is a year-round facility on the shores Pymatuning Lake that is part of Pitt's Department of Biological Sciences.

Center for Vaccine Research
Center for Vaccine Research

The (CVR) is composed of the Vaccine Research Laboratory and the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory. The CVR engages a cross-section of scientists in infectious disease research.

Nanoscale Facilities
Nanoscale Facilities

The (NFCF) is supported by the integrated, multidisciplinary organization, the Gertrude E. and John M. Petersen Institute of NanoScience and Engineering.

The Center for Sports Medicine
Center for Sports Medicine

Research conducted by the center’s sports medicine specialists—including Pitt professors—helps to develop better methods of treating and preventing sports-related injuries and diseases.

McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine
McGowan Institute

The is a facility for leading scientists and clinical faculty working in the areas of tissue engineering, cellular therapies, and artificial and biohybrid organ devices.