Research is a way of life at VCU.
Research
People turn to us for opinions, explanations and help in solving some of the most critical issues facing communities today.
Our faculty, staff and students take the lead. They collaborate. They delve deep into topics. They listen. They question. They explore. It’s what we believe a research university should do. And it’s what we do at Virginia Commonwealth University.
In fiscal year 2022, VCU garnered more than $400 million in sponsored research. Find opportunities and resources through the Office of Research and Innovation.
Bright young minds
We encourage our students, no matter their major, to get involved in research. And they do. Really. Cool. Stuff.
Vanessa Oppong
Correlated strong ethnic identity to safer sex practices among African Americans
Richard Albright
Tied his music-writing process to methods he’s using to research a gene linked to ALS
Drashty Mody
Learned to see dentistry’s link to ecology in her research of wetlands and the James River
Chris Morris
Mined real estate data to better predict when property title changes will occur
Rankings
Top 3 Virginia research university
Top 50 National Science Foundation public research university
Top 30 Most innovative public university per U.S. News and World Report
We help get your research off the ground.
Check out the the opportunities for undergraduate research.
Quick Fact
300+ student presentations during Research Weeks
Graduate and postdoctoral research
As a graduate student or postdoc at VCU, you'll have the chance to dive into research that matters to you, working side by side with faculty experts when you need guidance.
Unconventional partnerships
The beauty of being an urban, public research university is that we get to work with so many different people — all contributing their perspectives. You might think we’re a bit unconventional in some of the ideas and experts we bring together. We think that’s when we are at our best. And we absolutely love the results.
Baby steps
Helping babies with neuromuscular disorders crawl and explore the world Read more
Aging gracefully
PALETTE, an intergenerational arts program, pairs VCU students with senior adults to overcome ageism through art Read more
Love notes
An interdisciplinary project helps new and expectant mothers in difficult circumstances write lullabies to bond with their children Read more
Measuring flux
New meteorological tower at the Rice Rivers Center gives researchers the big picture on environment and climate change Read more
Current research across VCU
