
Research

UC Santa Cruz research improves lives and livelihoods—help us safeguard the future of innovation.
Engineers have the power to create new things and the responsibility to use our knowledge for good.
Our faculty and students pursue novel, visionary research that leads to positive societal impact.
R1
Designated Research 1 University
(Carnegie Research Foundation)
60
patents awarded
(2022-24)
$48.6M
in new research funding
(2025)
11
research institutes and centers
(2026)
#16
Santa Cruz/Watsonville top 16 in research output in US
(National Bureau of Economic Research, 2025)
What’s trending
Harnessing AI for extreme weather prediction

UC Santa Cruz researchers are finding new ways to leverage AI to better predict rare, unprecedented events like Category 5 hurricanes.
Bold new solutions to society’s most complex issues
Explore research by impact areas

Undergraduate research
Research opportunities abound for Baskin Engineering students. The world-recognized Genomics Institute provides a hands-on and immersive environment for students interested in genomics. You can join clubs and student groups to explore genomic research and collaborate on projects with your peers. Baskin Engineering is also home to a nationally ranked computer game design major, recognized as one of the top 10 undergraduate programs in the country. Undergraduates work with faculty on innovative projects in areas like cyber-physical systems, security, and artificial intelligence—just a few of the many ways to get involved and make an impact.
Latest research news
- From amazing research discoveries to high-impact new education and fundraising initiatives, UC Santa Cruz created significant positive change, despite headwinds
- The recognition is the highest professional distinction awarded to academic inventors.
- The undergraduate research team won a silver medal at the 2025 international jamboree.
- UC Santa Cruz research innovations and academic programs advance brain and mental health.
Research with impact
Innovating autonomous vehicles, space exploration, and robotics with Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Ricardo Sanfelice.
Additional areas of expertise
Algorithms, logic, & complexity
Bayesian statistics
Communications, signals, & image processing
Database systems
Distributed systems
Mathematical modeling & numerical analysis
Networks
Programming languages
Real-time systems
Systems biology







