Centers & Institutes
Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute
The Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute (BHSI) at the University of Georgia facilitates and promotes interdisciplinary research and instructional efforts throughout UGA. With divisions focusing on neuroscience, basic and translational biomedical science and the One Health initiative, researchers in the institute support graduate degree programs and cooperative research projects designed to solve the most fundamental problems in the fields of biomedical and health sciences.biomed.uga.edu.
Center for Applied Isotope Studies
The Center for Applied Isotope Studies (CAIS) is a multidisciplinary center dedicated to the research and development of nuclear analytical technology, including a premier analytical laboratory and technical training for radioisotope and stable isotope analytical techniques. The Center co-developed a Marine Lander Survey vehicle in 2012 and has 2 accelerators for the measurement of carbon isotopes by accelerator mass spectrometry. cais.uga.edu.
Center for Drug Discovery
The Center for Drug Discovery (CDD) promotes fulfilling a critical national and international need for the research, discovery and development of new chemical and biological entities for combating a variety of existing and emerging life-threatening diseases for which the etiological agents are infectious viruses (e.g., HIV, HBV, HCV, avian influenza viruses, emerging DNA and RNA viruses) and infectious microbial agents (e.g., antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis). Other therapeutic areas such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and additional targets are also of interest to the CDD.uga-cdd.org.
Center for Food Safety
The Center for Food Safety (CFS) was established in April 1993 with the mission of maintaining and improving the safety of foods through the development of methods that detect, control, or eliminate pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins. CFS is part of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and is located on the Griffin Campus of the University of Georgia. Faculty conducts fundamental and applied research in food safety microbiology that benefits both the food industry and the consumer. CFS has strong collaborative ties with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and research groups at the Athens campus of the University of Georgia.
Center for Geospatial Research (CGR)
The Center for Geospatial Research (CGR) promotes geographic thinking and the application of geospatial technologies in interdisciplinary research, education, and public service. We apply our history of expertise in remote sensing, photogrammetry, GIS, geovisualization, field surveys and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) image acquisition/analysis to uncover the spatial aspect in any research. Our internationally recognized work in natural and cultural resources, terrain analysis, and spatio-temporal modeling addresses critical and contemporary issues in human and environment relationships. Established in 1985 as the Laboratory for Remote Sensing and Mapping Science (LRMS) and the Center for Remote Sensing and Mapping Science (CRMS) in 1987, the CRMS changed its name to the Center for Geospatial Research (CGR) in 2012 to better reflect the current mission and future goals of the Center.
Center for Global Health
The Center for Global Health at the University of Georgia seeks to identify best practices of health care throughout the world, to support their dissemination, adaption, and then their adoption throughout the world, in order to improve health care for all. CGH has 34 members from 6 different UGA colleges/ schools, 2 Centers, and 1 institute. Members range from Deans to Postdoctoral Researchers, and represent 74 different academic research areas.publichealth.uga.edu/cgh.
Center for Health and Risk Communication
At the Center for Health and Risk Communication (CHRC) at the University of Georgia researchers are working to improve communication practices that address a broad catalogue of health and risk conditions ranging from breast cancer and diabetes to multiple sclerosis and sickle cell anemia to drinking water contamination arising from terrorist attack. It functions as an institutional, regional, and international contact point for UGA outreach in health and risk communication research, training, and service.chrc.uga.edu.
Center for Molecular Medicine
The Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM) at the University of Georgia is working to better understand the molecular and cellular basis for human disease and translate this research into the discovery of new therapies, cures and diagnostic tools. The therapeutics being developed may be in the form of stem cell-based therapies, vaccines, new drugs, antibodies or protein pharmaceuticals. Research programs also focus on the identification of new biomarkers and other tools for clinical diagnostics, with direct application to a wide range of diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders and diabetes.cmm.uga.edu.
Center for Teaching and Learning
The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) provides campus-wide leadership on matters relating to instruction. The CTL coordinates a wide variety of programs and activities, serving faculty, administrators, and graduate teaching assistants (TAs) in each of the University’s schools and colleges. CTL provides instructional grants, consultation services, faculty and TA development programs, publications, activities planning, and teaching resources and media services. In addition, it offers seminars, workshops, and conferences that address a wide range of topics throughout the year.ctl.uga.edu.
Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases
The Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases at the University of Georgia draws on a strong foundation of parasitology, immunology, cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics to develop medical and public health interventions for at-risk populations. Established in 1998, the center promotes international biomedical research and educational programs at UGA and throughout Georgia to address the parasitic and other tropical diseases that continue to threaten the health of people throughout the world. ctegd.uga.edu.
Clinical and Translational Research Unit
The Clinical and Translational Research Unit (CTRU), located on the UGA Health Sciences Campus, was established in 2015 with the goal of supporting investigators who wish to conduct sponsored or pilot clinical and translational studies that advance the understanding, prevention and treatment of human diseases. For students and health sciences trainees, the unit provides opportunities to gain experience in clinical research and learn how laboratory discoveries are translated into improved patient outcomes.
Complex Carbohydrate Research Center
The Complex Carbohydrate Research Center (CCRC) at the University of Georgia was founded in 1985, and is one of only three centers worldwide dedicated to the study of complex carbohydrates, which play critical roles in cellular communication, gene expression, immunology, organism defense mechanisms, growth and development. The 140,000 square-foot facility is home to 17 interdisciplinary research groups, including four federally designated centers for carbohydrate research. In addition to UGA research projects, the center also provides analytical services and training to university, government and industrial scientists interested in complex carbohydrate molecules.ccrc.uga.edu.
Developmental Biology Alliance
The Developmental Biology Alliance at the University of Georgia is a novel mechanism based on partnerships with diverse units and research groups at UGA and across Georgia to advance common goals in supporting integrative and interdisciplinary research and undergraduate and graduate training programs in developmental biology. The Alliance works to further the study of development in all organisms and at all levels of life, representing and promoting communication among students of development, and promoting the field of developmental biology.devbio.uga.edu.
Engineering Education Transformations Institute
The Engineering Education Transformations Institute serves to infuse a culture of engineering education scholarship, research and innovation throughout all administrative units and the 15 degrees programs in the University of Georgia College of Engineering. Through building capacity and social capital around engineering education innovation and engineering education research, this approach offers a unique way to integrate and advance the research and teaching missions of the university while embedding principles of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of operation. engineering.uga.edu/eeti.
Faculty of Infectious Diseases
The Faculty of Infectious Diseases was created at the University of Georgia in 2007 to address existing and emerging infectious disease threats more effectively by integrating multidisciplinary research in animal, human and ecosystem health. Researchers from across the university focus on epidemiology, host-pathogen interactions, evolution of infectious diseases, disease surveillance and predictors and the development of countermeasures such as vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.fid.uga.edu.
Faculty of Robotics
The Faculty of Robotics at the University of Georgia aims to significantly advance the fundamental science and engineering involved in robotics, facilitate diverse robotic applications with profound societal impact, and enhance the University’s prominence in the discipline of robotics by serving as a singular hub for research in robotics that brings together interested University faculty and students from a variety of disciplines.
Georgia Initiative for Climate and Society
The Georgia Initiative for Climate and Society at the University of Georgia fosters a scientific community dedicated to improving our understanding of the complex processes and effects of climate change. As part of the initiative’s mission, members integrate research, outreach and instruction to provide the public with science-based information about climate variability and change, as well the tools needed to prepare for and respond to the challenges it may create.climateandsociety.uga.edu.
Georgia Sea Grant
Georgia Sea Grant was established in 1971 at the University of Georgia by the National Sea Grant College Program to support productive and sustainable use of our coastal and marine resources. Georgia Sea Grant partners with UGA’s Marine Extension Service to create research, outreach and education programs that promote the economic, cultural and environmental health of Georgia’s coast. Both organizations encourage citizens throughout the state to become good stewards of coastal and watershed resources. georgiaseagrant.uga.edu.
Ideas for Creative Exploration
A catalyst for innovative, interdisciplinary creative projects, advanced research, and critical discourse in the arts, Ideas for Creative Exploration (ICE) nurtures creative applications of technologies, concepts, and practices found across disciplines. It is a collaborative network of faculty, students, and community members from all disciplines of the visual and performing arts in addition to other disciplines in the humanities and sciences. ICE enables all stages of creative activity, from concept and team formation through production, documentation, and dissemination of research.ice.uga.edu.
Impact Evaluation Unit
Impact Evaluation Unit Evaluation Specialists support project leaders at University of Georgia to conduct evaluation and educational research for the purpose of documenting broader impacts across campus. We offer comprehensive evaluation services in partnership with project leaders to plan, design, monitor and evaluate project activities for learning and accountability and to meet donor expectations to document broader impacts. ieu.uga.edu.
Innovation Gateway
Innovation Gateway is the University of Georgia’s technology and commercialization office, incubator, and entrepreneurial assistance center. Conveniently located on UGA’s Athens campus, Innovation Gateway facilitates licensing and patents for the discoveries of UGA students, faculty, and staff in the fields of medicine, agriculture, bioinformatics and environmental science, and also enables start-ups to accelerate the commercialization of those discoveries. research.uga.edu/gateway.
Institute of Bioinformatics
The Institute of Bioinformatics (IOB) at the University of Georgia facilitates interactions and research collaborations between experimental biologists, technologists and computational/mathematical scientists to solve complex biological problems. Team members are actively conduct bioinformatics research on genomics, plant genomics, microbial genomics, biomedicine and cancer, pharmaceuticals, glycobiology and statistical sciences. The institute is also responsible for the computing support for campus-wide bioinformatics research at UGA.iob.uga.edu.
Institute for Disaster Management
Experts at the Institute for Disaster Management at the University of Georgia are internationally recognized in fields such as emergency management, weapons of mass destruction, disaster modeling, and public health. They work with state and federal organizations to develop a coordinated research and training program for standardized mass casualty healthcare nationwide. The mission is to reduce the casualties and social disruption from planned events and natural disasters through engagement in planning, mitigation, risk analysis, professional training, and the development of response capabilities and infrastructure. publichealth.uga.edu/dman.
Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems
The Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS) helps communities, businesses, and governments mitigate risks - and seize opportunities - associated with environmental change, extreme weather, and climate-related events by rethinking, transforming and adapting infrastructure systems to strengthen social, economic and ecological resilience. IRIS achieves this through collaborative partnerships, integrative research, decision support, education, training, and outreach. engineering.uga.edu/research/centers/IRIS.
New Materials Institute
The New Materials Institute (NMI) at the University of Georgia was established in 2016 in order to bring together researchers and industry partners to develop products and technologies based on green engineering principles that can eliminate persistent materials in the environment. With a focus on circular materials management, faculty in UGA’s NMI are developing new biodegradable polymers and additives, advanced fibers, and durable coatings based on different chemical feedstocks where end-of-life is at the core of product design.
Obesity Initiative
The UGA Obesity Initiative addresses the growing epidemic of adult and childhood obesity and its related diseases. UGA combines instruction and research activities with its public service and outreach components to develop obesity prevention and treatment programs that interested Georgia communities, employers and health care providers can implement to improve the health of Georgia’s citizens and decrease the cost of health care in the state.obesity.uga.edu.
The William A. and Barbara R. Owens Institute for Behavioral Research
The William A and Barbara R. Owens Institute for Behavioral Research (OIBR) at the University of Georgia supports the research of over 66 behavioral scientists and students who study complex social and behavioral questions in the arenas of health, family, education, culture and decision-making. The researchers are working to address significant problem areas such as substance abuse, sexual risk behavior, alcohol use in children, care for the elderly, violence against women and child abuse.oibr.uga.edu
Centers of Excellence
- Center for Research on Behavioral Health and Human Services Delivery (BHHSD)
- Center for Family Research (CFR)
- Center for Integrative Conservation Research (CICR)
- The Center for Gene-Social Environment Transactions (C-GSET)
- The Center for Contextual Genetics and Prevention Science (CGAPS)
- The Center for Gambling Research (CGR)
The Plant Center
The Plant Center at the University of Georgia enhances the tradition of outstanding research in plant molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and genomics to sustainably meet the food, feed, fiber and fuel needs of an ever-increasing population. The center promotes interaction among UGA researchers to support agriculture in Georgia and beyond. Researchers focus particularly on the growth, development and behavior of plants; the organization, evolution and function of plant genomes; and the improvement of plants for agricultural and industrial uses.plantcenter.uga.edu.
Regenerative Bioscience Center
The Regenerative Bioscience Center (RBC) at the University of Georgia focuses on using human stem cells for restoring damaged tissues throughout the body and speeding the discovery of new compounds, therapies and drug discovery tools to treat diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers are also developing large animal models for stroke research and rapid bone regeneration models for wounded soldiers.rbc.uga.edu.
River Basin Center
The River Basin Center (RBC) of the University of Georgia works to produce and disseminate the knowledge and tools for sustainable management of aquatic resources and ecosystems through applied scientific and policy research, and by training the next generation of managers and researchers. Its affiliate faculty are drawn from across the university and it is known for an interdisciplinary approach to challenging environmental and social problems. rivercenter.uga.edu.
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory
The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL), founded in 1951, is located on the Savannah River Site, a Department of Energy facility near Aiken, SC. Scientists here pursue a wide variety of basic and applied research at multiple levels of ecological organization, from atoms to ecosystems, designed to provide sound science for decision-making and environmental stewardship. The lab also provides opportunities for graduate and undergraduate research training, and service to the community through environmental outreach.srel.uga.edu.
University of Georgia Cancer Center
The University of Georgia Cancer Center is composed of more than 40 teams of researchers from across campus working to discover new drug targets, develop diagnostic tests, create cancer vaccines, and educate the public through about cancer treatment and prevention. The center is also committed to educating undergraduate and graduate-level students who will become the next generation of cancer researchers and physicians.cancercenter.uga.edu.
The University of Georgia Marine Institute at Sapelo Island