The Whitacre College of Engineering is focused on driving research and innovation that positions the College as a leader in addressing the world's most pressing challenges. A key goal is to elevate the College’s research stature in support of the university’s aim to join the American Association of Universities (AAU) by 2027. To achieve this, the College is prioritizing large, interdisciplinary projects, aiming for at least one major center grant from agencies like NSF or DOE each year. Research priorities span critical areas, including energy generation and distribution, decarbonization, next-generation semiconductors, artificial intelligence, aerospace, and regional challenges such as water management and urban-rural dynamics.

Building a world-class faculty is central to this mission, with efforts focused on recruiting, retaining, and developing top talent across disciplines. The College is committed to creating a supportive environment that fosters collaboration and innovation, with enhanced access to graduate students from other departments and the development of research teams ahead of grant opportunities. Investments in research infrastructure are also a priority, including new and upgraded facilities such as cleanrooms and PhD student spaces, as well as improved IT and high-performance computing support.

To further fuel innovation, seed funding is strategically allocated with clear metrics for return on investment, ensuring that promising research has the resources needed to succeed. The College also actively engages with government entities, industry, and national labs to expand research opportunities and collaborations. By focusing on interdisciplinary research, strategic investments, and fostering a culture of discovery, the College aims to lead in innovation that addresses both regional and global challenges, making a meaningful impact on society.

Read the full plan here.