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research

We serve as the hub of Harvard's research efforts and educational programs in engineering, applied sciences, and technology.

We bring together faculty and students whose interests and perspectives create an unmatched environment for exploration and discovery.

According to the Times Higher Education Supplement, Harvard ranked # 1 among institutions in engineering based on impact (Data from Thomson Scientific’s Essential Science Indicators, 1 January 1997–31 October 2007): Papers: 1067 (papers); 12,788 (citations); 11.99 (citations per paper).

Primary RESEARCH Areas

To learn more about the types of research and projects faculty and graduate students are involved with, visit the various research sections of the site:

You can also view faculty members based upon their research area/s online or as a PDF.

Research Centers and institutes

We are home to multidisciplinary and innovative research centers, including NSF-sponsored sites. The centers provide the facilities, tools, and expertise for our faculty, students, and collaborators to conduct research on topics ranging from nanotechnology to quantum physics.

Interdisciplinary science and engineering

Multidisciplinary programs, free of departmental boundaries, range from research centers to emerging areas such as nanoscience and bioengineering to joint initiatives in medicine and business. In the era of integrationist science and engineering, we offer a powerful way to use concepts developed in engineering-oriented disciplines to advance the frontiers of knowledge.

We provide an unprecedented environment for tackling some of the fundamental problems in science because of our:

  • traditional strengths in applied sciences and close connections to basic science departments in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences provide an exceptionally strong base in foundational science,
  • interdisciplinary nature—we do not have departments and most of its faculty carry out research in multiple areas—is ideal for tackling the next generation of problems, and
  • existing and potential ties to Harvard’s professional schools offer unparalleled opportunities for collaborative work, education and research, and outreach to society

Emerging Areas of Expertise

Emerging areas of expertise at Harvard include:

  • Computational Biology and Neuroscience
  • Computer Systems Research
  • Electrical Engineering and Devices
  • Environment and Energy
  • Nanoscale Science and Engineering
  • New Materials and Structures
  • Physics and Engineering of Complex Systems
  • Quantum Science and Technology
  • Scientific Computing and Information Technology
  • Scientific Concepts and New Tools
  • Systems Biology, Biophysics, and Bioengineering