As one of only three U.S. institutions with Land, Sea, Space and Sun Grant designations, Oregon State embodies a rare breadth of research in service to communities, industries and the environment. These designations strengthen our mission: advancing science that benefits society. The College of Science is a hub for curiosity-driven, innovative research done in cooperation with and for the benefit of our local and global communities.
Research
Statistician Yanming Di works with colleagues to take high-quality images of seeds. These are used to train an artificial intelligence to differentiate between species in support of grass seed farmers.
Science that delivers real-world impact
Team Science drives our approach, bringing together interdisciplinary teams to advance knowledge and solve complex problems with practical impact. Through mentorship, hands-on research and a shared commitment to lasting change, we prepare future scientific leaders to push the boundaries of discovery.
Our areas of distinction
We bring exceptional talent and capabilities to five interdisciplinary research areas with global distinction. These strengths reflect our commitment to advancing health for people and animals, protecting the planet’s future, driving economic innovation and uncovering scientific solutions to society’s most pressing challenges.
Our research is driven by boundless curiosity
Our faculty are passionate about what they do and the world they live in. They are eager to involve students in their research projects, both in the lab and out in the field. From supernovae to superbugs, science faculty and students pursue both fundamental and applied research in over 100 labs across campus.
Research by the numbers
184
Faculty
541
Graduate students in 2023-2024
23
University Distinguished Professors
18
AAAS fellows
2
National Academy of Science members
1
MacArthur Fellow
$24.2M
Secured in research funding in 2023-24
18
U.S. patents awarded since 2011
Undergraduate research goes far beyond the classroom
Joining a research team and contributing to new discoveries brings science to life. Hands-on work helps students explore career paths while building professional and technical skills, including highly sought-after abilities like teamwork and communication, before they graduate. All science students are encouraged to get involved in research early, whether through course-based research, the STEM Leaders program, a SURE Science summer grant or by working in one of hundreds of active labs and field projects on campus.
Our facilities promote outstanding teaching and research
Advanced facilities and interdisciplinary research centers provide our faculty and students with cutting-edge analytical capabilities and readily available expertise to support a wide range of projects. Where will your research lead?
Seeing science differently
A growing number of our scientists and students are exploring artistic practice as a way to reframe their discoveries and gain fresh perspective. Their artworks enrich science communication and invitesbroader public engagement, helping connect complex ideas more meaningfully with diverse audiences. (Image: Salmincola californiensis sculpture by Nilanjana Das).
Seeding discovery
The College of Science invests in faculty and breakthrough research through the Science Research and Innovation Seed (SciRIS) program. Prioritizing interdisciplinary collaboration, SciRIS supports early-stage project design and team formation to accelerate solutions with real-world application. The program positions researchers to compete successfully for external funding and deliver meaningful benefit to science and society.
Related Stories
Across the College
Biochemistry & Biophysics
