Research Centers and Institutes

The campus' 70-plus research centers and institutes serve as conduits for external organizations to tap the research, technology and scientific expertise of the UMass Amherst community. From these connections come the positive impact the campus has on the economy of Massachusetts , the region and the nation. In equal measure, the campus gains practical learning and research applications that deepen its own knowledge and provide valuable educational opportunities for its students. Browse our complete listing of UMass Amherst Research Centers and Institutes or call the Research Liaison and Development office (413) 545-2706 to get connected.

Enabling Entrepreneurism in Research

The establishment of centers and institutes is also an important step toward creating interdepartmental connectivity, inter-institutional/private sector collaboration, and the problem-driven research programs that are the hallmarks of an entrepreneurial research university. The process of launching an interdisciplinary center or institute is not unlike starting a small business; it involves strategic planning and organization, fundraising, marketing, and dogged persistence. RL&D provides entrepreneurial researchers with services and resources that enable these large scale cross-cutting initiatives.

Centers and Institutes previously supported by RL&D include: MassNanoTech; the Institute for Cellular Engineering (ICE); the Pioneer Valley Technology Innovation Development Exchange (PVTIDE); the Security, Emergency Preparedness and Response Institute (SEPRI); the Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute (PVLSI); the Center for Collaborative, Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA); and the e-Design Center .