Signature Research Institutes
The University of Alabama is leveraging its strengths to address some of the most pressing challenges facing society and improve quality of life for those in Alabama, the southeast and around the globe.
Alabama Life Research Institute
Interim Executive Director: Dr. Martha CrowtherThe Alabama Life Research Institute serves as a focal point for interdisciplinary biopsychosocial research that investigates the human condition at all levels to improve lives across the world.
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Alabama Materials Institute
Executive Director: Dr. Gregory ThompsonThe Alabama Materials Institute facilitates interdisciplinary materials research encompassing metallurgy, ceramics, polymers, bio-inspired materials, and composites.
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Alabama Transportation Institute
Executive Director: Dr. Steven JonesThe Alabama Transportation Institute advances interdisciplinary research aimed at enhancing quality of life by pursuing safer, more efficient transportation systems by developing and applying new technologies, data-driven technical and policy analyses, and community-engaged decision-making processes.
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Alabama Water Institute
Executive Director: VacantThe Alabama Water Institute addresses a broad spectrum of water-related challenges on local, regional, national, and global scales, generating crucial information and pioneering solutions essential for shaping a safer and more sustainable water future.
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High Performance Computing and Data Center
Executive Director: Fernanda FoertterThe High Performance Computing and Data Center, coming in 2027, will be an asset to the state of Alabama, supporting research, innovation, and economic growth by expanding the capacity of advanced computing infrastructure to researchers and industry.
All Research Institutes & Centers
The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees officially recognizes the following research institutes and centers.
- Center for Risk & Insurance Research
- Alabama Center for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence
- Alabama Life Research Institute
- Alabama Materials Institute
- Alabama Mobility & Power Center
- Alabama Research Institute on Aging
- Alabama Transportation Institute
- Alabama Water Institute
- Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Design Integration
- Center for Advanced Public Safety
- Center for Advanced Vehicular Technologies
- Center for Business & Economic Research
- Center for Convergent Bioscience & Medicine
- Center for Freshwater Studies
- Center for Sustainable Infrastructure
- Center for Substance Use Research and Related Conditions
- Center for Transportation Operations, Planning & Safety
- Center for Water Quality Research
- Center for Youth Development & Intervention