The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) at the University of Oregon is focused on the following priorities:

• Research excellence
• Infrastructure to support research
• External partnerships and philanthropy
• Launching new interdisciplinary and disciplinary initiatives that have high potential to attract external funding and community impact

To focus on the transformational opportunities taking place within the University of Oregon's research enterprise, the office is committed to increasing externally sponsored research funding, which enables discoveries and the advancement of knowledge and creative expression. The office continues to provide administrative and financial support for sponsored programs, including identification of funding opportunities, proposal submission, research compliance and contracts and grant submission — and emboldens innovation and economic development through strategic partnering and technology transfer initiatives.

Economic Impact

Sponsored research and creative activity at the University of Oregon contributes tens of millions of dollars to Oregon’s economy each year. New discoveries fuel innovations that bring benefits to society and help power the state and local economy.

UO’s innovation metrics rose during the 2019 fiscal year, as UO researchers continued to translate innovations into impact. The university saw an increase in nonexclusive licensing as well as agreements for the exchange of data, software, research materials, and other proprietary materials.

Other UO innovation metrics from the past year include:

• Disclosures — inventions, copyrighted works, biological materials, software and related trademarks — jumped to 49 from 42.
• Science-based invention disclosures jumped to 20 from 18.
• Patent filings increased from 17 to 19.
• The UO is now ranked no. 5 in the Association of American Universities in licensing per research dollar.
• The UO received $10 million in licensing income, an increase of 10 percent from the previous year.

Student Impact

The OVPRI's Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) provides undergraduate students vital participation in research. Students from across the academic disciplines can be found investigating, discovering, creating, and innovating. Research experiences allow students to explore and clarify their academic and professional goals while developing critical thinking and important workforce skills. By the numbers UROP: 

• Provides $300K in annual student support 
• Engages students from 48 different majors
• Graduates award-winning alumni, including 9 NSF GRFP Recipients, 2 Goldwater Scholars, and Marshall, Fulbright, Truman, and Udall scholars* 

*since 2015