School of Engineering

Research Overview

The annual research expenditures of School of Engineering Faculty members and Researchers totals more than $40 million dollars.

Research plays an integral role in Rensselaer’s vision of the technological university. The discovery and application of new scientific concepts and technologies, especially in emerging interdisciplinary fields, are core goals for faculty, staff, and students. Our research programs reach across the campus, linking together departments, schools, and interdisciplinary centers, and creating opportunities for integration of research and education. Undergraduates work one-on-one with faculty members in real-world, hands-on research as part of Rensselaer’s Undergraduate Research Program (URP). In addition, research drives technological entrepreneurship and commercialization, interfacing closely with the Rensselaer Technology Park and Incubator Center.

The Office of the Vice President for Research provides infrastructure and resource support for the development of research programs and projects. Support services are offered for faculty seeking research opportunities, research proposal and budget preparation, and guidance on research management and intellectual property policies. The Office coordinates major research themes and programs through interdisciplinary research centers. Links from this Web site offer overviews of these centers, reviews of major research projects and recent accomplishments, as well as information on research policies, guidelines, and infrastructure.