Skip to header Skip to Content Skip to Footer
Green and orange algae growing in large glass containers

Major Research Programs

UNCW is designated as a doctoral university with high research activity, much of it centered in marine-related sciences. But that is not our only research.

Throughout both campuses, our faculty, staff and students are conducting research and managing programs that have a significant impact on the community and the environment.

Here are a few of our major programs.

Explore Our Major Research Programs

Ocean Color & Nanosatellites UNCW is the first UNC system school to have its own nanosatellite. Launched in 2018, the satellite sends color images to help scientists monitor the health of the oceans. Learn More
Marine Mammal Stranding Program A team based at UNCW responds to reports of mammal strandings up and down the East Coast and conducts necropsies to determine cause of death for mammals that do not survive. Learn More
Undersea Vehicles Program The Undersea Vehicles Program supports undersea research with a variety of robotic vehicles. These remotely operated vehicles can be deployed rapidly and are operated by two experienced staff members. Learn More
Lower Cape Fear River Program Our scientists monitor water quality and environmental conditions in the Cape Fear River Estuary and a large section of the lower Cape Fear River watershed. The program is a collaboration involving UNCW, government, industry and the public. Learn More
Shellfish Research Hatchery The Shellfish Research Hatchery is a 12,000-square-foot facility for growing marine bivalves in their early stages. It provides expertise and technical support to address important issues related to North Carolina’s shellfish resources. Learn More
Finfish Research UNCW’s Aquaculture Facility is located on Harbor Island at Wrightsville Beach. Established in 1997, the facility was built for research, education and development of fish stock. Learn More
Coastal Ocean Monitoring The Coastal Ocean Research and Monitoring Program (CORMP) collects and reports hourly weather and sea surface conditions from moorings in the waters off North and South Carolina. Learn More
Cyber Defense Education Launched in April 2018, the Center for Cyber Defense Education trains future cyber professionals and is dedicated to strengthening the cybersecurity savvy of UNCW students, faculty and staff so they can keep their digital information safe from hackers and thieves. Learn More
Healthy Communities As an engaged member of the Cape Fear region, UNCW plays a critical role in addressing community-identified needs and concerns. The Center for Healthy Communities seeks to improve health and well-being through collaborations between our campus resources and community agencies. Learn More
National Treatment Court Resource Center UNCW was selected to house this center, the nation's primary resource hub for courts that work with individuals who have encountered the justice system because of drugs, alcohol or other addictions. Learn More
picture

R2

UNCW Listed Among Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity, Carnegie Classification

109

Among Public Universities, U.S. News & World Report

1 of 4

UNC System Schools Featured in the Fiske Guide to Colleges

1898: Wilmington’s Violent Coup

UNCW faculty, staff and students are involved in a number of research projects related to the Wilmington coup d’etat of 1898. The staff of Randall Library has compiled historical collections that address that violent chapter in local history.
View the Collections

Contact Us

Research & Innovation

Phone: (910) 962-3137

research@uncw.edu

601 S. College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5900

Office Hours

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Summer Hours

Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday, 7:30-11:30 a.m.

top