The Vice President oversees the research and graduate activities of the University of Oregon, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research Extensive University and Oregon’s only Association of American Universities (AAU) member. The UO is a comprehensive research university whose instructional, research, and public service programs advance scientific and humanistic knowledge while serving the educational, cultural, and economic needs of Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and the Nation.

The Office of the Vice President for Research provides administrative support for sponsored programs, including identification of funding opportunities, proposal submission, research compliance (which includes human and animal subjects research), contracts and grant administration, as well as the translation of basic research into commercial products or services through technology transfer and Riverfront Research Park activities. Sponsored program awards have grown to more than $86 million annually, supporting hundreds of active UO research, instruction and community service projects. Principal recipients of these funds include the centers and institutes reporting to the Vice President.