Groundbreaking Texas Research

UTSA is one of Texas’ innovation powerhouses and a driver of economic opportunity and social mobility for our community. Explore the life-changing research happening at San Antonio’s only Tier One university!

Bold Is... pioneering research to solve our grandest challenges

UTSA's research enterprise spans numerous disciplines and is relentlessly committed to discoveries that benefit society at large while providing transformational experiences for students. This commitment is exemplified by the university’s world-class research centers and institutes, which serve as incubators of creativity and discovery in highly specialized areas, from AI and cybersecure manufacturing to brain health and energy security.

Unveiling the mysteries of brain health

Through the use of cutting-edge technologies, UTSA is dedicated to innovative research to identify novel strategies to prevent disorders, promote development and restore and improve brain function. From Alzheimer’s to epilepsy, UTSA researchers are finding answers to fundamental questions regarding the mechanisms of the brain, diseases and more.

Explore the research
UTSA-led research to develop groundbreaking tool to improve treatment plans for TBIs

Read more about how UTSA researchers are building a new tool to improve patient care.

UTSA-led research using Neurofeedback to measure small traces of brainwave activity

See how UTSA’s Neurofeedback program is providing hope for those with anxiety and PTSD.

UTSA research shaping future of accessible virtual reality

Learn more about how UTSA researchers are helping make Virtual Reality universally accessible.

Dr. Jenny Hsieh

Professor and department Chair, Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Brain Health Consortium Director

Recruited to San Antonio to start a world-class research lab, Dr. Hsieh and her team are making scientific discoveries to help those suffering from brain diseases.

Meet Dr. Hsieh

Jenny Hsieh headshot

Leading revolutionary discoveries

The JWST revealed details of the structure and composition of what is now affectionately called the “Tarantula Nebula,” as well as dozens of background galaxies. Photo courtesy of NASA, ESA, CSA and STScI

Advancing space engineering and aeronautics in Texas

UTSA scientists and engineers are working on innovative technological solutions to advancing human exploration in cislunar space as well as the Earth’s Moon, Mars, and beyond. With federal funding from NASA, DARPA, and others, UTSA discoveries are fueling commercial sector activity for major aerospace groups across Texas and the nation.

Photo courtesy of NASA, ESA, CSA and STScI Explore their discoveries
Blue, pink and purple fiber cables flowing across computer circuit boards.

Improving patient outcomes with artificial intelligence

UTSA’s MATRIX AI Consortium for Human Well-Being is fostering transdisciplinary teams that span academia, government, industry, and healthcare ecosystems to make tangible differences for human well-being. Through their research, MATRIX is paving a path forward for the invention, deployment and advancement of AI that promotes whole human health.

View the impactful research

Dr. Dhireesha Kudithipudi

Founding Director of MATRIX, Robert F. McDermott Chair in Engineering, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering/Computer Science

See how Dr. Kudithipudi and her team are leading the nation’s neuromorphic computing hub.

Dr. Dhireesha Kudithipudi

Combating cyber threats against Texas manufacturers

UTSA works in partnership with the Department of Energy-funded Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII) and the National Security Collaboration Center (NSCC) to grow the nation’s epicenter for research, innovation and workforce development for cyber-resilient supply chains. These centers provide the research and expertise to protect Texas manufacturing and train the next generation of leaders in cybersecure manufacturing.

Bold Is... bringing bright minds together to change the world

UTSA is leading collaborations with the nation’s top research institutions to create bold opportunities for the city of San Antonio, the state and the nation.


Leading in innovation

In 2024, UTSA researchers secured 10 patents, helping secure UT System’s No. 6 ranking in the National Academy of Inventors’ (NAI) prestigious Top 100 Worldwide Universities List.

Learn more about the recognition

UT System ranks No. 6 in NAI’s prestigious Top 100 worldwide list

Fostering socioeconomic advancement

As a founding member of the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities - established by 20 of the nation’s top research institutions - UTSA is continuing to advance social mobility and economic opportunities for Latino students and their communities through research opportunities.

Read about this innovative alliance

Three students in blue jackets collaboratively working on a machine, focused on their task and engaged in learning
Stethoscope analyzing futuristic medical data on digital tablet: embracing technological advancements in healthcare

Pioneering the future of AI and medicine

In partnership with UT Health, UTSA has launched the nation’s first dual degree in medicine and Artificial Intelligence – enabling San Antonio trained physicians to uniquely lead in the practical use of artificial intelligence to improve diagnostic and treatment outcomes.

Learn more about the degree

The University of Texas School of Public Health San Antonio

A collaborative initiative between UT Health San Antonio and UTSA to combat community health problems and disparities in care across San Antonio, Bexar County, and a 38-county South Texas region.

See how they are taking care of Texas

Bold Is... transforming the Texas economy through research excellence

UTSA's research and development expenditures continue to grow, from $84 million in FY 2019 to over $173 million in FY 2024.

UTSA Research and Development Expenditures by Fiscal Year
Growth of UTSA's research and development expenditures (including unrecovered indirect costs) since 2018.

Valdez Institute for Economic Development

The Valdez Institute of Economic Development at UTSA helps create jobs, grow businesses and foster economic development locally, state-wide and internationally. By connecting real-world business savvy with UTSA's research and talent, the IED exemplifies our urban-serving mission. Highlights from Fiscal Year 2024 include:

Icon of Direct Economic Impact

$1.8B

in direct economic impact
Icon of Financing and investments

$196M

in new financing and investments
Icon of Tax Revenue Generated

$31M

in new tax revenue generated