It is now an exciting time to be in Hawai‘i and in particular at the University of Hawai‘i (UH)—as our expanding research enterprise is beginning to help drive innovation, develop new internal and external partnerships, and lay the groundwork for a more diversified economy for our state.
The University of Hawai‘i is one of the largest enterprises in the state and one of its most important assets. As the state’s only major public research university and one of only a few land, sea, sun and space-grant universities in the nation, we have a dual mission to forge ahead with new discoveries and to energize economic development, both here in Hawai‘i and around the world.
To do so, UH is shifting the focus of our world-class research to maximize on our existing strengths and capabilities and to capitalize on emerging opportunities in targeted areas of growth. We have categorized these areas into “priority innovation hubs,” which includes ocean and climate sciences, astronomy, health and wellness, digital economy and civil infrastructure security, and sustainable ecosystems and energy—to address critical research areas related to disease treatment and prevention, cybersecurity, climate change, secure food and water supplies, renewable energy, big data/data visualization, national defense and other areas of importance.
At the same time, our faculty’s cutting-edge research and innovation activities are creating a vibrant and enriching learning environment for our undergraduate and graduate students. With unparalleled opportunities for “hands-on” experience outside the classroom in one of the most diverse regions in the world—we are confident that our students will be well-prepared to take the mantle as future researchers, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers.
Please sit back and enjoy a snapshot of our innovative, exciting and purposeful research that makes the University of Hawai‘i—like no place else on Earth.
Vassilis L. Syrmos, PhD
Vice President for Research and Innovation
University of Hawai‘i System