Research at UAF
America's Arctic research university
UAF is the principal research university for the statewide University of ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ system.
Our research engages undergraduate and graduate students so they gain skills and knowledge
to become tomorrow's leaders.
By the numbers
News
Jun 08
A ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ research team has translated a trove of data from a Chinook salmon tagging program into a predictive model that could help reduce bycatch by fishing trawlers. Chinook salmon range from the ocean's surface to depths where trawl nets target groundfish species. The researchers' model uses more than 700,000 data points between Southeast ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ and the Bering Sea to predict how Chinook will be distributed across the water column. With that information, trawlers can potentially adjust their operations to reduce inadvertent salmon catches.
Jun 08
The ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥' Large Animal Research Station is open for the 2026 summer season. Public tours are available every day at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Tour guests will see and learn about muskox, reindeer and wood bison.
Jun 05
An international team of experts discovered over two dozen new marine species on a recent expedition off the coast of Brazil in the tropical South Atlantic Ocean. The science team, which included ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ researcher Russ Hopcroft, used advanced technologies to explore the ocean's midwater, the zone between the sunlit layer and the seafloor. It can take scientists decades to identify and describe new species, but the combination of technology and expertise enabled the team to confirm 31 new species within a matter of days.
Events
Thursday, May 14, 2026
UAF West Ridge
Join UAF Research for an inspiring day on West Ridge at Troth Yeddha' for the Arctic
Research Open House on Thursday, May 14, from 4–7 p.m. This annual event is hosted
by the UAF Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research.
From Fairbanks roots, UAF research branches across science, engineering, and creativity,
sprouting new solutions for ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ and the Arctic. You’ll meet the researchers behind
the work and see how UAF research shows up in your community. Each stop gives you
something real to engage with, from lab experiments to field campaigns, all rooted
in solving problems faced by you and fellow ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ns. To celebrate the Fairbanks community
and the work happening across campus, the UAF Vice Chancellor for Research will host
a free ice cream social.
Access to events and parking will be FREE across West Ridge. All ages are encouraged
for this free event, minors must be accompanied by an adult. For more information,
or to make an accommodation request at least five days in advance of this event, , email UAF-Research@alaska.edu or call 907-474-6000.
Research calendar
Research enterprise
UAF does high-quality research in a large number of fields. We're one of only a handful of institutions in the country that can claim the triple crown status of Land, Sea and Space Grant Institution.
Achieving R1 at UAF
With more than $200 million in research activity each year, the University of ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ Fairbanks is ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥'s research university. We are ready to step up to R1 and join the top 4% of research universities in the United States.