Research & Creative Work
Help us spread the word about the importance of university research and creative work. Together, we can grow the United States' competitive edge and continue improving the health, safety and education of communities across Colorado, the country and the globe.
Exploring Space to Help People on Earth
For 75 years, our research in space has fueled the aerospace industry in Colorado and beyond and has improved the lives of real people on Earth. Support from NASA is critical for shaping the next generation of space explorers, and CU Boulder is the number one recipient of NASA funding among public universities.
8
planets visited by instruments created at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP)
19
CU Boulder-affiliated NASA astronauts
66
missions of U.S. space exploration have relied on LASP expertise
Enhancing the Lives and Well-being of Millions of Americans
Our researchers illuminate the underlying causes of diseases, conditions and chronic pain, devise solutions and roll out accessible treatments, such as new prosthetics and materials for repairing worn-out body parts.
32.5 million
people who suffer from osteoarthritis could benefit from a CU Boulder team’s innovations in tissue regeneration
89+
life-enhancing biotech startups have launched from CU Boulder research in the past 20 years
Billions
of dollars contributed by CU Boulder health-related research to Colorado economy
Increasing Access to Safe Water
In the West and around the world, CU Boulder research teams are working to improve drought preparedness, increase the resilience of our water systems and install safe water treatment systems.
$300,000
worth of free legal support provided to help farmers in the San Luis Valley protect their water rights (Acequia Assistance Project)
40 million
people in seven states ensured safe, sustainable water through CU Boulder’s Western Water Assessment
5 million
people worldwide have gained access to clean water through programs developed by the Mortenson Center at CU Boulder
Accelerating Colorado's Quantum Revolution
Research based on quantum science—the study of the universe at the most fundamental level—could revolutionize everything from timekeeping and medical imaging to space travel and data encryption.
1st
nuclear clock in the world under development at Professor Jun Ye’s lab
10,000
quantum-related jobs projected to be created in Arvada, Boulder and other parts of Colorado over the next decade
$1 billion
projected statewide economic impact from Colorado’s quantum industry
Connecting Communities Through Creativity
Creative programs at CU Boulder are serving as tools for healing, education and preservation for communities around the world.
3 villages
of children in Madagascar will access education for the first time thanks to Thinking Huts, an alumna's nonprofit
3,000+
youth given training on how to handle anger by CU Boulder-led initiative
Millions
of native Quechua speakers connected through faculty member's oral history project