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Signature Research Areas

The University of Oregon strategically defined four research focus areas that build on our core strengths and can propel an outsized global impact.

A researcher operates imaging equipment in a laboratory.

More than 300 programs across nine schools and colleges. Find your path — from undergraduate degrees to advanced research.

Fall Classes Begin: September 28, 2026

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Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2026

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A top-tier R1 research university where breakthroughs happen every day.

UO research expenditures: $267M annually

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Life at the UO is more than classes. It's community, culture, and the kind of experiences that shape who you become.

Week of Welcome Begins: September 25, 2026

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Our Four Focus Areas

We leverage our expertise to tackle complex global challenges and develop lasting, meaningful solutions that scale.

  • Two students collect water samples in a coastal tide pool.

    Environmental Resilience

    Through rigorous scientific study and innovative approaches, our work equips communities with practical tools to adapt to a fast-changing planet.

  • An adult reads with two children in a playroom.

    Youth Behavioral and Mental Health

    We’re pioneering new ways to support children and teens with evidence-based interventions and a new behavioral health workforce.

  • A runner completes a treadmill test while wearing breathing equipment.

    Human Performance and Sport

    Regenerative rehab. Bioengineering. Sports product design. The UO pushes past limits to advance peak performance—not only for athletes, but for all of us.

  • Three people use virtual reality headsets in a research lab.

    Accelerating Innovation and Scientific Impact

    We’re shrinking the time between scientific discovery and its application. Our mission: Fast-track new tech that improves lives and drives prosperity.

21st-Century Firespotting

The Oregon Hazards Lab operates a sophisticated, statewide camera system that monitors for wildfires 24/7. Real-time images from 70 cameras help communities and emergency responders detect and contain fires—before they become conflagrations.

A researcher applies gel to electrodes on an EEG cap.

Next-Level Neural Mapping

Engineering and neuroscience intersect at the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, where researchers have built an innovative tool to record neural activity. Their goal: Decode Parkinson’s and other neurological diseases.

Explore the Project

If we want to have an impact, we need to try something different.

Jennifer Pfeifer Professor of Psychology and director, Developmental Social Neuroscience Lab
A researcher plays with a child while a family member watches.

Support for Family Mental Health

More than 29,000 schools across the US use the UO’s intervention and behavioral support tools for children and teens. A skills and support program for parents that’s based on 30 years of research is also delivering results.

The Family Check-Up

Learning From Athletes

What can elite athletes teach us about everyday well-being? As part of an international scientific consortium, the UO applies deep expertise in performance testing, injury prevention, and bioengineering to transform human health for everyone.

Want to Learn More?

See Oregon Research