As a comprehensive research university in Carnegie’s highest classification of research activity (commonly termed R1), Oklahoma State University has research expertise and productivity in virtually all areas in which we offer academic programing. From the arts and humanities, through business, all the way to the sciences, engineering, agriculture, and medicine, the OSU research enterprise is broad in scope and extensive in impact. Galvanized by the We Are Land-Grant  strategy, OSU has articulated four priority areas that translate nicely into the broad research priorities that give OSU its character and its focus, both now and for the years that lie ahead.

 

Nourish the World

This priority encompasses a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to addressing global food security and nutrition challenges. While the core focus lies in production agriculture and nutrition science, the initiative recognizes the complex nature of these issues and incorporates expertise from diverse fields such as business, chemistry, biology, engineering, water management, and political science. This holistic strategy aims to develop sustainable food systems, improve agricultural practices, enhance nutritional outcomes, support sustainable ecosystems, and optimize food distribution on a global scale. By leveraging its broad range of expert faculty and fostering collaborative research, OSU aims to make significant contributions toward feeding the world's growing population efficiently and sustainably.

 

Aerospace Innovation and Application

OSU recognizes the need to take a comprehensive approach to propel the future of flight. This priority combines the strengths of traditional aerospace engineering and aviation training with fields such as advanced autonomy, materials science, human performance, and social sciences. This collaboration tackles not only the technical aspects of next-generation aerospace vehicles that includes drones and advanced air mobility as well as their associated components such as propulsion systems and avionics, but also the human element by focusing on pilot performance and safety, and societal acceptance of innovations like urban air taxis and delivery drones. These systems will have a wide range of applications from emergency aid, energy, and crop surveillance, sparking a wide use by nascent industries. By fostering a unique synergy between engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and social scientists, OSU aims to make air travel safer, more efficient, and pave the way for a thriving aerospace industry and logistics/supply chain industry with strong social integration.

 

Enhancing Human and Animal Health

Embracing the One Health concept, OSU recognizes the fundamental linkage between human and animal health. This priority leverages OSU's expertise in veterinary medicine, physiology, microbiology, pathobiology, genomics, and toxicology as core disciplines, while also incorporating roles from bioengineering, computer science, social sciences/business, entrepreneurship, and basic chemistry and biology. The multidisciplinary approach aims to advance understanding of human and animal health and performance, detect and mitigate the impact of zoonotic diseases, employ data science/AI for early diagnosis of diseases, develop innovative prevention and treatment strategies, and enhance preparedness for future health crises. By fostering collaboration between veterinary and human medical research, integrating multidisciplinary domain expertise for novel solutions, and promoting entrepreneurial ventures in health technologies, OSU seeks to make significant contributions to global health security, improve public health outcomes, advance human and veterinary medicine, and support sustainable ecosystems. This comprehensive strategy underscores the university's commitment to addressing complex health challenges that span the interconnected realms of human, animal, and environmental wellbeing.

 

Powering a Growing World Population Sustainably and Responsibly

This research priority showcases a comprehensive approach to addressing global energy challenges while integrating health and sustainability considerations. This initiative leverages a wide range of expertise, from electrical and petroleum engineering to geology, chemistry, economics, and energy accounting, covering both traditional and cutting-edge energy solutions. The strategy encompasses traditional oil and gas technologies alongside renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydrogen, as well as advancements in energy storage, rare earth elements, and critical minerals. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the research aims to drive innovation in energy efficiency, develop sustainable extraction methods, and create new renewable technologies. Importantly, this priority also emphasizes the health implications of energy production and use, focusing on air quality improvements, reduction of environmental health hazards, energy equity, and resilience to climate variability. Through this holistic strategy, OSU seeks to contribute to global energy security, promote public health, and support economic growth through energy innovation.