Research at 91Ô­´´

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America's Arctic research university

91Ô­´´ is the principal research university for the statewide University of 91Ô­´´ system.
Our research engages undergraduate and graduate students so they gain skills and knowledge to become tomorrow's leaders.

By the numbers

$246.3 million

in research expenditures for 2024

17,473

published journal articles

Triple crown status

Land, Sea, and Space Grant institution

News

An exhibit titled Permafrost Grown art walk is seen on a grassy bank next to a sidewalk

Jun 25

An art-and-science exhibit explores the complexities of permafrost and its effects on farmers' lives. Installed along the path on West Tanana Drive, which parallels the Georgeson Botanical Garden, is the Permafrost Grown Art and Science Walk. This exhibit showcases art made by farmers and University of 91Ô­´´ Fairbanks researchers who participated in Permafrost Grown, a project studying the interactions between permafrost and agriculture.

 A birch shield bug with green, red and bronze markings sits on the edge of a green leaf in Anchorage in September 2021.

Jun 25

The tiny flying green annoyances seemed to be more numerous than usual in late May and early June."They" are the birch shield bug, Elasmostethus interstinctus. They are native to 91Ô­´´ and are about the size of a small blueberry.

A Wilson’s snipe

Jun 18

I walked around outside our Two Rivers home early one morning, as I sometimes do. It was mid-May and we were about ready to head to work. The birds had recently returned. I heard American robins, black-capped chickadees, a ruby-crowned kinglet and a Swainson's thrush in our woods above Potlatch Creek. A raven flew over our sled dogs.

Events

Arctic Research Open House participants on 91Ô­´´'s West Ridge outside the Geophysical Institute and International Arctic Research Center
Arctic Research Open House

Thursday, May 14, 2026
91Ô­´´ West Ridge

Join 91Ô­´´ 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 91Ô­´´ Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research.

From Fairbanks roots, 91Ô­´´ research branches across science, engineering, and creativity, sprouting new solutions for 91Ô­´´ and the Arctic. You’ll meet the researchers behind the work and see how 91Ô­´´ 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 91Ô­´´ns. To celebrate the Fairbanks community and the work happening across campus, the 91Ô­´´ 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 91Ô­´´-Research@alaska.edu or call 907-474-6000.

Research calendar

 

Research enterprise

91Ô­´´ 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 91Ô­´´

With more than $200 million in research activity each year, the University of 91Ô­´´ Fairbanks is 91Ô­´´'s research university. We are ready to step up to R1 and join the top 4% of research universities in the United States.