Research and Innovation

Our Mission as an R1 Research Institution

Fueled by the scholars in our colleges and schools, and under the guidance of the Office for Research and Innovation, the University is making important contributions to more fields and sectors than ever before. Over the past decade, Drexel University's presence has grown in both stature and magnitude. In late 2018, Drexel achieved R1 status for very high research activity in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This growth has added to Drexel's reputation as a knowledge-intensive institution and assures the University a place in the top 100 research universities in the country.

Our goal is to generate new knowledge and impactful solutions by growing basic and applied research and fostering transdisciplinary collaborations, both within the University and with external partners. To achieve its goal, the University is growing a research culture around its core academic competencies, health, design, technology/engineering, and social sciences with an eye toward assembling transdisciplinary teams to tackle projects with social and commercial impact. 

Undergraduate Research and Enrichment Programs (UREP)

Our students are encouraged to embrace this spirit of curiosity from the moment they arrive on campus. Our centralized office for undergraduate research within the Pennoni Honors College assists undergraduates in all majors in finding, funding, and sharing research.

Programs and Opportunities

• STAR (Students Tackling Advanced Research) Scholars Program
  Allows highly motivated first-year students to conduct a faculty-mentored research, scholarly, or creative project during the summer after their first year and culminates in an end-of-summer showcase.
• Mini-Grants
  UREP awards mini-grants to faculty and student collaborations and travel grants for undergraduate researchers presenting their work at conferences.
• ForagerOne
  A platform that enables students to find and connect with mentors and faculty for collaborative opportunities.
• SuperNova Undergraduate Research Fellows Program
  Challenges students to build upon their STAR or undergraduate research experience in progressively demanding research experiences, courses, and projects.
• DrExcel Health
  Provides students with experiences that bridge the gap between technology and research when entering a clinical medical practice.
• Fellowship Assistance
  Provides advising, mentorship, and campus award cycle management for external fellowships like Fulbright, Truman, Goldwater, and Gilman Scholarships.
• Nerd Night @ Drexel U
  A quarterly event where students can give short talks on their research.

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

This impact extends throughout the Philadelphia community and beyond, most visibly through the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Founded in 1812 and opened to the public in 1882, this globally recognized institution houses over 18 million specimens within its scientific collections. Hosting approximately 240,000 visitors each year — including almost 80,000 schoolchildren — the Academy is dedicated to helping inquisitive learners understand the natural world while inspiring them to develop new ways to protect and preserve the wonders within it.