At The University of New Mexico, research is not an abstract pursuit confined to laboratories. It is a public good that strengthens communities, grows the economy, improves health and prepares the next generation of New Mexico’s workforce.

Guided by the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), UNM’s research enterprise is built on a simple belief: research is education. Students learn by doing, faculty innovate with purpose, and communities are active partners in shaping solutions to real-world challenges, from public health and water security to energy transition and disaster resilience. As one of New Mexico’s R1 research universities, UNM plays a vital role in transforming discovery into solutions benefiting taxpayers across all 33 counties.

“It is crucial that all New Mexicans recognize what an R1 designation means to the state. It’s the highest level of research activity because that’s where investment begins,” said Fisher. “What UNM researchers do in our classrooms, labs and in the field directly impacts the lives of all New Mexicans, whether you live in Las Cruces or up north in Taos.”

In fiscal year 2025, the University reported $389 million in research expenditures, supported 1,625 student researchers, received 1,590 awards, and produced more than 3,250 scholarly publications. These investments support high-skill jobs, attract federal and private dollars to New Mexico, and help retain top talent in the state.

Innovation is central to this ecosystem. Over the past decade, UNM researchers have disclosed more than 1,100 inventions, filed 823 U.S. patents, and executed more than 500 license and option agreements. Between 2021 and 2025, UNM helped launch 36 startup companies and now has 83 active startups spanning bioscience, advanced energy, aerospace and defense, agriculture and water technology, and quantum systems. These companies translate university research into commercial solutions—expanding New Mexico’s innovation economy.

“Many of our research projects have collaborators from national labs or industry partners. In other spaces, our students receive hands-on training with direct access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and research environments that prepare them to use the types of systems common in industry,” said Fisher.

For legislators and taxpayers, UNM’s research enterprise represents a clear return on public investment. It attracts federal dollars, prepares students for high-demand careers, supports rural and urban communities alike, and positions New Mexico as a leader in addressing future challenges.