The University of Illinois at Chicago is one of the nation's 88 leading research universities with almost $160 million dollars in separately funded research. UIC is dedicated to supporting the innovative research of both its faculty and its students. The campus is involved in cutting-edge research in a wide array of disciplines. It offers students at both the undergraduate and graduate level the opportunity to work closely with faculty on research projects. The campus is an international leader in many areas of health-related research and is also an innovative leader in its work in electronic visualization in medical education.

UIC researchers and scholars are engaged in research that contributes to the vitality and development of the metropolitan area. As a leading urban institution, UIC has a responsibility and unique opportunity to contribute to the well-being of Chicago and other metropolitan areas worldwide. Through the Great Cities initiative, UIC directs research to improve the quality of life for those who live in and around the Chicago area. One of the goals of research at UIC is to discover solutions and shape new knowledge on urban issues and concerns. Great Cities initiatives have included research projects with local businesses, area schools and community health agencies to help improve the quality of life in urban areas.

Researchers in science and engineering are also integral parts of the mission for discovery and innovation that is underway at UIC. Nine promising UIC faculty have won Faculty Early Career Development Awards, known as "Career Awards", from the National Science Foundation (NSF). These prestigious, multiyear grants recognize young researchers who also have great potential as teachers. The awards, in total, brought more than $1 million dollars to new research and teaching projects at UIC. The research efforts of these young investigators include a project that will develop new technology to track heart and brain activity, and another project that will develop new techniques for automatically designing and improving integrated circuits. With each research project, there are corresponding teaching efforts to bring the knowledge and techniques gained in the research into the classroom.

The UIC Medical Center is one of the largest health science centers in the country with extensive research programs in all areas. The Colleges of Pharmacy and Nursing are ranked among the top ten colleges in their disciplines by U.S. News and World Report. A team of Pharmacy researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries on the cancer-fighting properties in natural products. Scientists in the UIC Virtual Reality in Medicine Laboratory are training surgeons in the intricate techniques of ear surgery using a virtual model of the ear that they have developed. Faculty in Nursing and Education published a compilation of works by more than 30 authors that illustrated community health innovations and issues in urban communities. The collaborative research efforts in the medical sciences are an important element in assuring state-of-the-art medical education at UIC and in assuring the health and well-being of the citizens of Chicago.

Excellence in research is an integral part of the UIC mission. Faculty and students participate in research projects that make significant contributions to citizens, businesses and community organizations throughout Chicago-as well as to the excellence of the academic programs for all students.