Research & Innovation

Many of UNCW’s research strengths stem from our history, community and unique location on North Carolina’s coast. In 2018, we earned the designation “doctoral university with high research activity,” a classification reserved for just 139 institutions nationwide dedicated to training new scholars and investing in discovery.

Essential Research

Scientific research helps shape many UNCW academic programs, like psychology, where students work as junior colleagues with our outstanding faculty to investigate a variety of topics from basic brain processes to forensic psychology and mental illness in correctional facilities.

We are a recognized leader in marine science and home to nationally ranked academic programs. Our Center for Marine Science unites investigators across disciplines and supports world-class research. Drug discovery from the sea is a growing area of study.

Other established strengths touch technology, healthcare and the arts. Our Institute for Interdisciplinary Identity Sciences (I3S) explores facial analytics and recognition using tools like the MORPH dataset. 

We’re also helping to build businesses throughout our region and working with communities to preserve the ecosystems that sustain North Carolina life.

Marine Biotechnology in NC (MARBIONC) is a research and development-based economic and workforce development program at UNCW. Its building provides space where commercial companies can develop their businesses and work alongside UNCW faculty and students.

Our Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship provides a mentoring network, training and a physical hub for people launching new commercial or nonprofit enterprises.

The Swain Center, Center for Workforce Development and FuseCR take advantage of faculty and staff expertise to provide the region with continuing professional education and development.

Our aquaculture program and shellfish hatchery are working to develop cost-effective, environmentally sound technologies for marine food production and to mitigate depletion of marine populations through commercial cultivation or stock enhancement.