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Research at Catholic University

student at the NASA Goddard office

We're the oldest Catholic research university in the nation. Research is in our DNA.

Proudly R1. Boldly Catholic.

At The Catholic University of America, research means something broader and deeper than seeking new knowledge. We seek knowledge and understanding — the “how” and the “why” — and always in service to human flourishing.

An explorer looking up at a starry sky.
Graphic that reads "Designated R1 Research Institution"
Catholic University Achieves Top-Tier R1 Status
The designation is America's gold standard for university research. Only five percent of American colleges and universities are R1 institutions.”
an icon of a neural network with a starburst behind it
Innovation Leader at Microsoft to Direct New AI Institute
This work begins Catholic University’s new interdisciplinary institute on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.”
AI-powered technology being used for connections.
IgniteHub: New Portal Accelerates Funding, Innovation, and Collaboration
New AI-powered platform at the University to be used for research grants, faculty networking, and collaboration.”

Science Is Wonderful

To paraphrase Aristotle, science begins in wonder. It drives us to search the vast heavens, peer into the nanoscale, and examine everything in between. At Catholic University, we believe this scientific quest — when combined with a commitment to serving society and the human good — leads to research that truly forms a better world for all of us.

Brandon Vaidyanathan in a classroom.

Does Beauty Matter in Science?

Sociologist Brandon Vaidyanathan and his colleagues have conducted the world’s first large-scale, empirical study of the role of beauty in science. Their findings show that beauty matters immensely to scientists and shapes their work profoundly, and they raise questions about the implications of beauty for research culture.
Discover the Insights
student at the NASA Goddard office

An Agile Partner for NASA

Our decades-long relationship with NASA has generated numerous fruitful scientific collaborations on projects critical to advancing knowledge of the universe. Particularly important is Catholic University’s $110 million cooperative agreement to support and advance the scientific and technical program of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s Heliophysics Science Division.
Learn about Our Partnership
Dr. Rao in a lab coat

Seminal Research Leads to $5m NIDA/NIH Avant-Garde Award

Professor Venigalla Rao recently won a $5 million award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Avant-Garde Award Program to deliver a functional cure for HIV and develop a groundbreaking gene therapy technology using bacteriophages.
Read about this Award

Explore Our Research Highlights

From extra-galactic to nanoscale, we explore it. From the wisdom of ancient texts to the mysteries of the human brain, we study it. 

Here at Catholic University, we believe that great discovery and innovation can happen across all of the academic disciplines, leading to advances in all areas of our society.

CUA students working in a lab.

By the Numbers

The opportunity for research impact here at Catholic University keeps growing.

$110M

NASA Cooperative Agreement to Advance Heliophysics Science

57%

Growth in Federal Research Expenditures in Past 4 years

Doubled

Non-STEM Research Expenditures (External Funding) Over Past 4 Years
panel speaking at an event run by the Institute for Human Ecology

Research Centers, Institutes & Facilities

Perhaps the most tangible evidence of the University’s abiding interest in research is the presence of our many research facilities, centers, and institutes on campus.
Explore the List

Igniting Wonder: Students Motivated By That One Big Question

Students at Catholic University contribute to our understanding of what it means to be human. What’s that one burning question that ignites their wonder and motivates them to seek answers?

  • Luis Garcia Abundis is sitting in an empty Catholic University classroom. He is wearing a grey sweatshirt.

    Luis Garcia Abundis

    Abundis' psychology research aimed at exploring healthcare disparities impacting Latinos.

  • Olivia DiMattio headshot outdoors

    Oliva DiMattio

    DiMattio's University Research Day presentation examined how sustainable building practices in architecture can help combat the effects of climate change.

  • Katie Coyle outdoor headshot

    Katie Coyle

    Coyle aims to create an affinity for the arts through her research on Samuel Bak, a holocaust survivor's, artwork and wants others to see art in its historical context.

students listening attentively to a research day poster presentation

University Research Day

University Research Day (URD) is the University's premier annual research event for students. Our community gathers for a full day each year to celebrate the University’s long research tradition and explore the extraordinary array of current research being conducted by our students, faculty, and staff across the disciplines.
More about Research Day

Explore Opportunities for Student Research

Catholic University offers numerous options for pursuing research interests at various levels of undergraduate and graduate studies.

Learn More about Student Research

To connect with the University about research partnerships and opportunities, please send requests to our Office of Research team.

student presents her research day oral presentation

Discover More

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