Carolina’s research impact

Carolina is a world-class research university where great ideas turn into outcomes that improve the quality of life for all people. Our work also fuels North Carolina's economy, supporting businesses, meeting community needs and caring for our citizens. We train future leaders with hands-on learning experiential opportunities in labs and field sites across the state and globe.

Learn how the University’s research serves North Carolina, the nation and beyond.

By the numbers (FY25)

UNC research impact

$2.9 billion in value added to state GDP, strengthening North Carolina’s overall economic output
$5.5 billion in total economic activity across industries and communities statewide
24,087 in-state jobs supported, driving employment and workforce growth
$169.2 million produced in state and local tax revenue, helping fund public services and infrastructure
All 100 NC counties benefit from Carolina's research
No. 7 public research university in the nation

“UNC-Chapel Hill’s research enterprise shows what sustained investment in people and ideas produces. A single faculty recruitment helped spark a gene therapy industry now reaching patients worldwide. A research portfolio generating $5.5 billion in total economic activity across industries and communities statewide grew from the same foundation: federal investment, institutional commitment and researchers with the time and resources to pursue discovery at the frontier of what is known. The return is measured in companies founded, communities strengthened and discoveries reaching the people who need them.”

Penny Gordon-Larsen, vice chancellor for research

Improving health outcomes

UNC Research is North Carolina

Flood research duo aims to reduce future impacts
Antonia Sebastian and Miyuki Hino are training the next generation of scientists to tackle this challenge with more effective strategies.
Mark Little powers NCGrowth
The partnership between the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise and the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School focuses on economic development in distressed communities.
Paige Ouimet researches how financial decisions affect employee stakeholders
A UNC-Chapel Hill employee for 18 years, she now directs the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise
Carolina reaches 200 IP-based startup milestone
The milestone places UNC-Chapel Hill in an elite tier among U.S. research universities.

Student researchers

Learn more about Carolina research

Read more about Carolina’s research efforts in The Well, the University’s newsletter. It sends twice a week over the summer and three times a week during the academic year.

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