Research at SUNY
The State University of New York powers research and innovation that shapes a better future for generations to come.
Discover how SUNY researchers across 64 colleges and universities are fueling a new era of American prosperity.
The State University of New York powers research and innovation that shapes a better future for generations to come.
Discover how SUNY researchers across 64 colleges and universities are fueling a new era of American prosperity.
Colleges and Universities across New York State
Total annual research expenditure in 2025
STEM graduates every year
Industry partnerships in 2025
The State University of New York is home to four nation-leading R1 research institutions:
In total, we have 11 Carnegie-designated research institutions spanning a broad range of expertise, including SUNY Polytechnic, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, SUNY Optometry, Buffalo State University, and SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech.
Across 64 colleges and universities, we’re solving today’s most pressing problems, partnering with industry leaders, and preparing thousands of STEM graduates to enter the workforce every year.
The University at Buffalo is a worldwide leader in research, education and emerging technology. UB is a Carnegie-classified R1 institution, a member of the Association of American Universities, ranks third in the U.S. and first in New York State for innovation, and is the #1 public university in New York State for research activity.
Total Research Expenditure (2024–25): $540M
Learn more:
buffalo.edu/research
Binghamton University is among the nation’s leading research institutions, with an R1 ranking in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and 29 researchers ranked among the top 2% nationwide according to a Stanford University study.
Total Research Expenditure (2024–25): $87.3M
Est. Economic Impact (2023-24): $1.65B
Learn more:
binghamton.edu/home/research
The University at Albany is among the nation’s leading research institutions, with an R1 ranking in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, and 55 current or emeritus faculty ranked among the top 2% of researchers in their fields in a recent analysis by Stanford University.
Total Research Expenditure (2024-25): $472M
Est. Economic Impact (2023-24): $1.1B
Learn more:
albany.edu/research-ualbany
Stony Brook University is an internationally recognized R1 research institution, the #1 public university in New York State, and home to Long Island’s premier academic healthcare system. As co-manager of Brookhaven National Laboratory, the creator of America’s largest quantum network, and anchor institution for The New York Climate Exchange, Stony Brook advances groundbreaking discoveries and innovation to address the most complex issues of our time. Global research centers, including SUNY Korea and Turkana Basin Institute in Kenya, extend this impact across continents and communities worldwide.
Total Research Expenditure (2024-25): $325M
Total Economic Impact on Long Island (2024): $8.93B
Learn more:
stonybrook.edu/research
SUNY ESF is one of the nation’s oldest institutions dedicated to the study of the environment. It’s a national leader in multidisciplinary environmental research, integrating ecological science, biotechnology, climate solutions, and sustainable resource management.
Carnegie Designation: Research 2 (High Research Spending and Doctorate Production)
Total Research Spending: $33M
Learn more:
esf.edu/research/index.php
SUNY Upstate Medical University’s world-class research enterprise supports biomedical research innovation, development and entrepreneurship, improving the health and well-being of the world’s people while training the next generation of scientific innovators.
Carnegie Designation: Research 2 (High Research Spending and Doctorate Production)
Total Research Spending: $53M
Learn more:
upstate.edu/research
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is a major urban academic medical center in Brooklyn, distinguished by its combined focus on basic biomedical science and clinical research. It bridges historic innovation — such as development of the MRI and a Nobel-winning faculty legacy — with modern strengths in public health, neuroscience, immunology, and healthcare equity initiatives.
Carnegie Designation: Research Colleges and Universities
Total Research Spending: $36M
Learn more:
downstate.edu/research
SUNY College of Optometry is a nationally recognized leader in vision research, combining basic science and clinical studies to advance understanding of visual function and eye health. Its research spans molecular biology, neuroscience, ocular disease, and innovative clinical interventions, supported by strong collaborations and state-of-the-art facilities.
Carnegie Designation: Research Colleges and Universities
Total Research Spending: $4.4M
Learn more:
sunyopt.edu/research
As New York State’s public polytechnic university, SUNY Poly conducts leading-edge research in fields including advanced semiconductor materials, artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, and more across 13 dedicated research centers.
Carnegie Designation: Research Colleges and Universities
Total Research Spending: $285M
Learn more:
sunypoly.edu/research
SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech focuses on applied research in agriculture and environmental technology. Its work emphasizes translating hands-on innovation into real-world solutions for sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and rural economic development.
Carnegie Designation: Research Colleges and Universities
Total Research Spending: $2.6M
Learn more:
cobleskill.edu
Buffalo State University is a comprehensive institution with a growing applied research portfolio focused on education, social sciences, sustainability, and STEM innovation. Its research integrates community engagement with scholarly inquiry, emphasizing urban issues, teacher preparation, environmental stewardship, and creative technologies.
Carnegie Designation: Research Colleges and Universities
Total Research Spending: $2.6M
Learn more:
suny.buffalostate.edu
SUNY research is fueling a new era of American prosperity. Learn how we’re pushing the boundaries in AI, quantum, semiconductor, medical research and development, and energy solutions.
The State University of New York is ready to lead the world in the development of AI for the public good.
With the groundbreaking multi-campus Empire AI Research Center and additional investment in AI research and development across the SUNY System, we are preparing the workforce of the future, accelerating world-changing research and discovery, and ensuring artificial intelligence technologies are developed responsibly, free of bias, and for the benefit of all humankind.
The State University of New York is a leader in life-saving medical innovation.
SUNY has a long history of medical innovation that leads to longer, healthier lives and more equitable health outcomes, from the invention of the MRI to developing a world-leading COVID-19 test at the outbreak of the pandemic. Now we’re breaking ground in biotechnology and biomanufacturing, from cancer research to RNA and more.
The State University of New York is the engine of America’s microchip resurgence.
SUNY is a leader in semiconductor research and development that drives American competitiveness, with nation-leading faculty and facilities, including the country’s most advanced public-private 300mm semiconductor research facility. With global microchip leaders establishing their operations in New York State, SUNY is preparing New Yorkers for great careers in every aspect of this growing industry—from research and manufacturing to supply chain logistics and building trades—and pioneering next-gen semiconductor technologies to make the U.S. more secure, more competitive, and more prosperous.
The State University of New York is on the leading edge of the quantum revolution.
It’s not science fiction — quantum technology is poised to revolutionize the way we live and work on par with the invention of the internet. We’ll see massive leaps in problem-solving productivity and predictive power, from saving lives with new medical cures to protecting communities from natural disasters and ushering in next-level cybersecurity for individuals and the nation.
With SUNY leading this groundbreaking research, New York can secure its position as the birthplace of the quantum age.
The State University of New York is building a sustainable future for New York State and the nation.
From next-generation batteries to offshore wind and weather prediction, SUNY is a national leader in climate solutions, energy research and development, and preparing the energy workforce of today and tomorrow. SUNY campuses across the state are investing in climate and energy research, including the groundbreaking new New York Climate Exchange, NYS Mesonet, and New Energy New York Battery Tech Hub.
The State University of New York is planning to double its research output over the next five years.
That means we’re bringing researchers from around the world to New York and investing in their brilliance to push the boundaries of AI, quantum science, clean energy, biotech, and more.
Learn how you can join us.
Are you ready to invent the future?
Join nation-leading researchers tackling the world’s biggest questions, from AI and quantum science to the future of medicine and the future of our planet.
SUNY has thousands of degree programs across 64 colleges and universities.
SUNY Research Connect provides access to the research, scholarship, and expertise of more than 6,500 active SUNY researchers, as well as facilities and equipment across the SUNY System, to empower discovery, collaboration, and innovation.
Sign up to receive research and innovation news from the State University of New York.
Follow SUNY Research on social media:
