The University of Texas at Arlington continues to expand its research enterprise and achieve record levels of research expenditures that drive innovation and improve the lives of Texans. UTA recorded $155 million in total research expenditures for fiscal year (FY) 2024, with much of this funding coming from the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, NASA and the U.S. departments of Defense, Transportation, Commerce and Energy. UTA also collaborates with state agencies like the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to enhance infrastructure across Texas.
A Carnegie R1 university recognized for its "very high research activity," UTA has seen its research expenditures grow year after year since first topping $100 million in 2018. The $155 million in research expenditures for FY 2024 represents a more than 50% increase since 2018.
"Our research at UTA is strategically focused on improving lives," said Kate C. Miller, vice president for research and innovation. "It's clear that external funding agencies and international researchers recognize our capabilities—both in driving discoveries with immediate benefits and advancing long-term initiatives. This trust from leading organizations reflects the exceptional talent of UTA's faculty, staff and students."
UTA President Jennifer Cowley, a proponent of expanding UTA's research capabilities, launched in 2024 the strategic Recruiting Innovative Scholars for Excellence initiative—RISE 100—designed to recruit leading faculty to amplify UTA's research success and position it as a leader in key areas of research critical to Texas.
UTA Research Highlights
Revolutionizing Semiconductor Laser Technology: UTA researchers, backed by a U.S. Department of Defense grant, are pioneering advancements in semiconductor laser technology. Applications include advances in autonomous vehicles, satellite communications, and space exploration, offering transformative potential across multiple industries.
Securing Texas' Energy Future: To ensure reliable energy access, UTA engineers collaborated with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to reduce electricity bottlenecks that lead to power outages. UTA also launched a Resource and Energy Engineering degree program to prepare a skilled Texas workforce for energy infrastructure roles, encompassing oil, gas, renewable energy and storage solutions.
Advancing Health and Medical Training: UTA is setting new standards in health care education with the nation's first "Igloo" virtual reality immersion room, training nursing students in real-life scenarios from childbirth to car crashes. The Maternal and Reproductive Health Equity Research lab explores factors behind complex pregnancies and births, while other researchers focus on treating antibiotic-resistant lung diseases and enhancing physical activity for individuals with disabilities.
Building Resilient Roads: UTA civil engineers are earning accolades for their "plastic roads," which incorporate recycled plastic waste in asphalt. This innovative approach not only diverts plastic from landfills, but also extends road lifespan, reducing taxpayer costs. Additionally, UTA has developed a novel concrete mixture that both lasts longer and removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, significantly reducing its environmental impact. UTA has several initiatives with TxDOT, including a program that provides training and technical assistance for local governments on road and bridge maintenance, traffic control and safety.
Safeguarding Water Resources: To better plan and prepare for extreme weather events, UTA engineers are utilizing advanced computer models to help coastal Texas communities protect residents, infrastructure and vital drinking water supplies. Researchers are also tracking runoff from extreme weather to ensure continued access to safe, clean tap water.
Economic Impact of UTA Research
State and national funding drive UTA's innovation, generating significant economic benefits. A report released by the Institute on Innovation and Science (IRIS) revealed that UTA research contributed more than $300 million to the national economy from 2018 to 2023. In 2023 alone, UTA's research activities added nearly $41 million to the Texas economy.
Strategic UTA Research Infrastructure Investments
Clinical Research Imaging Center: Equipped with advanced imaging technology twice as powerful as standard diagnostic equipment, this new imaging center addresses critical brain health issues, including cognitive decline, traumatic brain injuries and Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Its 3-Tesla MRI technology (twice as powerful as most diagnostic MRIs) enables researchers to conduct high-resolution anatomical and functional studies, fostering groundbreaking insights into neuropsychiatric conditions. Led by expert faculty, the center supports interdisciplinary research and pilot projects to advance treatments and interventions.
North Texas Genome Center (NTGC): This cutting-edge facility is dedicated to conducting population-based genomic studies, focusing on areas such as disease prevention, cancer genomics, immunogenetics and fundamental aspects of genetics. The NTCG features a next-generation gene sequencer; the only one of its kind in North Texas, it enables researchers to study genetic links between health and disease on a large scale, facilitating deeper analysis of rare genetic variants and paving the way for breakthrough treatments.
Maverick Autonomous Vehicle Research Center (MAVRC): With the addition of a state-of-the-art outdoor netted drone facility at the UT Arlington Research Institute in Fort Worth, UTA will bring together university, industry, government and community partners to develop autonomous and intelligent mobility systems—including applications like self-driving cars, military technology and emergency response tools—and ensure their reliability and safety. MAVRC's initiatives are expected to attract industry partnerships, create job opportunities and contribute to the state's economic growth, aligning with legislative priorities for technological advancement and economic development.
