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Two NWI employees working on a machine.

ORI Centers and Institutes

Our cutting-edge centers and institutes are frontrunners in their field, blazing trails for other researchers to follow.

Research and innovation on topics ranging from human health to textiles to national security add value to the everyday lives of our state’s citizens, helping NC State maintain public trust and remain at the forefront of global excellence for research and discovery.

The Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) oversees all recognized UNC system centers and institutes. In addition, we serve as the lead administrative unit for 15 of the more than 40 recognized centers and institutes.

Center for Human Health and the Environment (CHHE)

The Center for Human Health and the Environment (CHHE) applies a systems biology approach, spanning biomolecules to human populations, to understand how environmental stressors impact human health. Their goal is to uncover the underlying mechanisms of disease and use this knowledge to mitigate adverse health outcomes.

Center for Marine Science and Technology (CMAST)

The Center for Marine Sciences and Technology (CMAST) is a coastal and marine science research, outreach and educational facility. CMAST’s principal mission is to discover innovative solutions to questions and problems in marine systems and provide effective communication of these discoveries.

NC State Builds Audio-visual Array to be Deployed in the Galápagos Islands

CMAST has deployed and Audio-visual array (AVA) in the Galapagos Islands. The AVA will potentially capture fish and invertebrate sounds that will later be added to an AI call detection model. This work will help us improve our understanding of the diverse aquatic environment surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Comparative Medicine Institute (CMI)

The Comparative Medicine Institute (CMI) works to develop, foster, and assist interdisciplinary teams focused on translating basic research and scientific discovery into clinical/societal applications to improve the health of animals and humans.

Defense and Security Institute (DSI)

The Defense and Security Institute (in planning) works to strategically coordinate defense-related research efforts, develop the next-generation defense workforce, and secure the ecosystem critical to supporting compliance and contracting for defense and security agencies.

Genetic Engineering and Society (GES)

The Genetic Engineering and Society Center serves as an international hub of interdisciplinary research, engaged scholarship and inclusive dialogues surrounding opportunities and challenges associated with genetic engineering and society.

Institute for Connected Sensor-Systems (ICoNS)

The Institute for Connected Sensor-Systems (in-planning) works to lead, integrate, and deliver sensors, sensing, and systems solutions for and by the university research community.

NC State Transportation Experts Inform State Auditor’s NCDMV Report

ITRE worked with the state auditor’s office to serve as neutral third-party subject matter experts in a report identifying causes and potential solutions for many of the issues the public face when dealing with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE)

The Institute for Transportation Research and Eduction works to make transportation safer, smarter, and more accessible through surface and air transportation research, technical services and workforce training.

National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL)

The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals works to accelerate biopharmaceutical manufacturing innovation, support the development of standards that enable more efficient and rapid manufacturing capabilities, and educate and train a world-leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce, fundamentally advancing U.S. competitiveness in this industry.

Nonwovens Institute (NWI)

The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) is the world’s first accredited academic program for the interdisciplinary field of engineered fabrics. It engages government, industry and academia to enable next-generation nonwoven solutions to mission-critical challenges.

with the Wilson College of Textiles

Wildfire Risks From Hurricane Helene, One Year Later  

After Hurricane Helene’s destructive flooding, communities in Western North Carolina must still calculate for a different environmental threat. Wildfire season arrives in the fall, with an increased risk once trees shed their foliage.

North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies (NCICS)

The North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies works with universities, the private sector, non-profit organizations, community groups, and the federal government to facilitate climate-related research.

North Carolina Sea Grant

The North Carolina Sea Grant works with local, state, and national policymakers and scientists to develop solutions for healthy coastal ecosystems, resilient communities and economies, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, environmental literacy and workforce development.

North Carolina Space Grant

The North Carolina Space Grant is a NASA-funded grant program that promotes, develops and supports aeronautics and space-related science, engineering and technology education and training in North Carolina.

Reducing the Nutrient Load

In 2024, researchers teamed with local experts to look at hybrid constructed wetlands as part of a solution for North Carolina’s impaired watersheds, thanks to a Community Collaborative Research Grant from North Carolina Sea Grant, the NC Water Resources Research Institute, and the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology and Science.

Image of the Pamlico River shore in Beaufort County, NC. Credit: Eifel Kreutz.

PowerAmerica

PowerAmerica is a member-driven consortium of industry, academia, and national labs working to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation silicon carbide and gallium nitride power semiconductor chips and electronics.

Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI)

The Water Resources Research Institute funds critical water research, trains the next generation of water scientists, and disseminates sound science, educational programs, and training opportunities that support the sustainable use and conservation of water resources. The oldest center in the UNC System, WRRI serves public and private universities across the state.

William and Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation

The William and Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation works to advance K-12 education through innovation in teaching, learning and leadership by bringing together students, teachers, researchers, policymakers and educational professionals to foster collaborations that improve education for all learners.

with the College of Education

Leadership

Jacob Jones

Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Initiatives