Driving Discovery

Discoveries that begin in the lab or out in the field can transform into scientific breakthroughs, treatments for deadly diseases, and solutions to some of society’s biggest challenges. In the last decade, UGA has expanded opportunities for researchers to improve our world by focusing on strategic hires, interdisciplinary collaboration, and facility upgrades.

And the measurable results—more investments from funding sources and greater recognition of UGA faculty—prove that our efforts are working.

For the first time in its history, UGA surpassed a half-billion dollars in research and development spending in FY 2022. This milestone has been building over time—growth in this area is soaring, up 56% over the past nine years. And our faculty members are earning memberships to national academies and awards from some of the most prestigious academic organizations.

Interdisciplinary hiring initiatives have bolstered our strengths in vital fields like cybersecurity, environmental science, brain and behavioral health, and precision agriculture. The Interdisciplinary Faculty Hiring Initiative in Data Science and AI brings accomplished researchers to UGA and expands our strengths and opportunities as a comprehensive research institution.

65% increase in NIH/NSF expenditures over the past six years

AI Hiring Initiative

Our targeted recruitment efforts are prioritizing advancements in artificial intelligence. We have launched an ambitious initiative to recruit 70 faculty members with expertise in applying data science and artificial intelligence to some of society’s most urgent challenges. Most of the newly recruited faculty will focus on the fusion of data science and AI in cross-cutting areas such as infectious diseases, integrative precision agriculture, cybersecurity, education technology, resilient communities, and the environment.

Research Facilities

UGA continues to invest in future discoveries with new and renovated facilities, particularly on Science and Ag Hill. The new Poultry Science Building will better equip our faculty and students as well as the poultry industry for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Strategic Faculty Hiring: Through 11 hiring initiatives over the past 10 years, we have recruited more than 150 scholars and nine new Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholars in strategically important fields.

Investing in collaboration: With an initial investment of $1.37M in 2017, UGA’s Presidential Interdisciplinary Seed Grants have delivered an ROI of $208M as of 2023. The seed grants have launched 30 research projects and helped secure external grant funding.

Jenna Jambeck

Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Environmental Engineering

Jenna Jambeck is making huge waves when it comes to plastic pollution and environmental engineering. Recipient of the 2022 MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellowship and named one of USA TODAY’s 2022 Women of the Year, Dr. Jambeck provided the first estimate of the amount of plastic waste entering the ocean each year: 8 million metric tons.

She co-founded the New Materials Institute at UGA, which is developing sustainable product design and waste management practices to promote a healthier planet. And she co-developed the Marine Debris Tracker mobile app, which allows people to log plastic debris in their communities.

To have my work spontaneously recognized by my peers is incredibly meaningful, and the fact that this fellowship recognizes creativity is one of the best parts. I think my creativity has served as a source of strength and perseverance throughout my career.