Research at UCSB
Open a new browser window http://research.ucsb.edu to see the Ofice of Research web site.
The Office of Research is the research arm of UCSB. This office administers approximately 1,592 active contract and grant awards and facilitates more than 1,044 new awards totaling $102.6 million.
The Office of Research is headed by the Vice Chancellor for Research, who is the principal campus officer in matters of research policy and administration, and is an advocate for research and its value in an educational setting. The Office of Research:
fosters active relationships between the University, government, industry, and the private sector, and provides guidance and leadership for interdisciplinary research initiatives and technology transfer;
establishes leadership in setting research policy, and developing and implementing a strategic plan for research;
enhances ways in which the educational and research missions of the University mutually reinforce each other;
interacts with the Office of the President and other UC campuses regarding research policies, funding, administration, and intercampus research opportunities;
administers and enables a wide array of campus multidisciplinary research units;
disseminates information to campus researchers on extramural funding opportunities;
consults with faculty on locating and soliciting extramural research support;
solicits, facilitates and accepts grants and contracts for the support of research, training, and public service;
ensures the administration of awards is in agreement with university and sponsor policies;
compiles and reports statistical information relating to extramural funding;
provides matching funds for research and other assistance to individuals and units;
coordinates and supports mandated regulatory committees, including the Human Subjects Committee, the Conflict of Interest Committee, and the Animal Care Council;
directs the management of the Sponsored Projects Office, including providing assistance to the Patent Coordinator in matters related to intellectual property, and providing guidance to the Conflict of Interest Coordinator;
supervises the six Natural Reserve System elements associated with UCSB.
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UC Santa Barbara is home to a number of national research centers. All centers offer specialized research opportunities and a multidisciplinary environment for study at the under- graduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels.
Institute for Theoretical Physics
Open a new browser window http://www.itp.ucsb.edu to see the National Science Foundation's Institute for Theoretical Physics web site.
The National Science Foundation's Institute for Theoretical Physics, initiated in 1979 on the UCSB campus, brings together physicists from all over the world to collaborate on cross-disciplinary problems. Areas of study include elementary particles and nuclei, condensed-matter physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. Approximately 50 researchers are in residence at the institute at any given time. One of the major centers of theoretical physics in the world, the institute is housed in its own unique building near the east entrance to the campus. Telephone: (805) 893-4111.
Materials Research Laboratory (MRL)
Open a new browser window http://www.mrl.ucsb.edu to see the Materials Research Laboratory web site.
The Materials Research Laboratory at the University of California, Santa Barbara, was established in September, 1992 and currently involves 35 faculty from eight departments plus 60 research students and postdocs. A new 14,000 square foot MRL building houses our central facilities, seminar rooms, research office space and the MRL administration. The scientific activities of the UCSB-MRL are focused around four interdisciplinary research groups (IRGs), as outlined below, together with seed projects, central facilities, an educational outreach program, and a technology outreach program.
Complex Fluids (IRG 1), Group Leader: Philip Pincus. IRG1, which focuses primarily on the biomolecular materials area, is examining the creation and control of biomolecular materials whose microstructure can be patterned during processing on various length scales which vary from nanometers to submacroscopic:
Biological processes where genetically synthesized proteins adsorb to crystalline surfaces to direct the growth, morphology and composite architecture of shells and siliceous diatoms.
The formation of inorganic molecular sieves, e.g., zeolites and mesoporous solids, around molecular templates including organic bases and surfactants.
Epitaxial growth of thin films on single crystal templates under hydrothermal conditions.
National Nanofabrication Users Network (Nanotech at UCSB)
Open a new browser window http://www.nanotech.ucsb.edu to see the Nanotech web site.
Nanotech is the UCSB branch of the National Science Foundation's National Nanofabrication Users Network (NNUN). The goal of the NNUN is to provide a geographically and technologically extensive capability to facilitate research breakthroughs across a broad spectrum of fields, including physics, electronics, optoelectronics, biology, and mechanics. Nanotech, with the resources of a 3500 square-foot clean room, including a Class 100 optical lithography capability, electron beam lithography, and a full range of fabrication processes, can leverage the fabrication expertise developed through work at UCSB and make it available to a broader community, receiving in turn, a large diversity of fabrication challenges and applications.
National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS)
Open a new browser window http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu to see the NCEAS web site.The National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) was established by the National Science Foundation with additional support from the State of California and UCSB. The Center sponsors group activities, sabbatical fellows, and postdoctoral associates focusing on the integration of existing ecological information. NCEAS also is involved in the development of informatics activities that serve the ecological community.
The Center provides facilities, services, and high performance computing capabilities for visiting scientists. Recent research topics have included ecological economics, restoration ecology, variability in community dynamics, complex population dynamics, new directions for ecosystem science in the private sector, global changes and terrestrial ecosystems, deep sea biodiversity, and an analysis of the relationship between productivity and diversity.
The Center maintains contacts with a variety of campus entities through collaborative efforts and the involvement of faculty from several departments. Graduate and undergraduate interns are also supported.
In addition to ecological research, the Center supports outreach activities, and is developing programs to involve K-12 education activities.
Optoelectronics Technology Center (OTC)
Open a new browser window http://www.ece.ucsb.edu/OTC to see the Optoelectronics Technology Center (OTC) web site.
The Optoelectronics Technology Center (OTC) at Santa Barbara is the lead member of a multi-campus university research consortium-The Heterogeneous Optoelectronics Technology Center (HOTC)-which was established in 1997 after a national competition by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). HOTC is composed of investigators from UCSB, Cornell, UCSD, UCLA, USC, and UT-Austin who are teamed to provide advanced capabilities for real-time information access systems. A main aspect of the Center's charter is to encourage collaboration between academia and U.S. industry in order to accelerate the realization of practical, manufacturable technologies in the area of optical interconnects and memory.
As a part of this consortium, OTC at Santa Barbara concentrates on the formation of advanced vertical-cavity laser and photodetector arrays as well as their combination with integrated circuits using new heterogeneous integration technologies. This technology should provide new device and materials capabilities for the next generation of parallel computer interconnects and data communications.
Southern California Earthquake Center
Open a new browser window http://www.scec.org to see the Southern California Earthquake Center web site.
The Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) is a National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center established in 1991. It is a cooperative effort among the University of Southern California, California Institute of Technology, San Diego State University, University of California at Los Angeles, University of California at Santa Barbara, University of California at San Diego, University of Nevada at Reno, and the United States Geological Survey. USC is the coordinating institution, and Professor Tom Henyey of USC is the Center Director. The mission of the SCEC is to integrate research results into a tectonic master model of southern California and transfer this technology to other seismically active areas. The primary objectives of the Center are to estimate earthquake potential in southern California, to quantify the likely ground shaking from future earthquakes, and to communicate knowledge of earthquake science to decision-makers and the public.
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Organized research units (ORUs) provide unusual opportunities for students and faculty to do basic and applied research in a variety of disciplines. The following ORUs operate outside of the established academic teaching departments at UCSB.
Note: Neither courses of instruction nor degree programs are offered through the organized research units. Additional information about the units is available from the Office of Research, Cheadle Hall 3227. Telephone: (805) 893-4188.
Open a new browser window http://omni.ucsb.edu/ccs to see the Center for Chicano Studies web site.
The Center for Chicano Studies supports and conducts interdisciplinary basic and applied research on the history, culture, and socioeconomic status of Chicanos/Latinos in the United States. Researchers from the social and behavioral sciences, humanities, and education engage a wide range of contemporary and historical social issues including identifying key barriers to employment, recovering systems of cultural production, examining community empowerment, analyzing immigration and settlement, oral traditions and legal disclosure. Each year the Center sponsors faculty work groups, collaborative research projects, lectures, symposia, and publications that reflect this set of concerns.
Developing research initiatives that strengthen the recruitment and retention of faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates involved in Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies are priorities. The Center, along with the Department of Chicano Studies, supports the unique and prestigious Luis Leal Endowed Chair in Chicano Studies. In addition, each year the Center recruits and supports a Visiting Research Scholar involved in cutting-edge research in Chicana/o Studies. Moreover, the Undergraduate Student Internship Program enhances the research skills of undergraduates interested in Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies by providing stipends to work on faculty projects.
As the only organized research unit devoted to the study of Chicana/o and Latina/o populations, the Center is a resource to local community agencies, community leaders, state and national entities as well as to the local campus community. Thus, public service forms an integral part of the Center's educational mission.
Institute for Computational Earth Systems Science (ICESS)
Open a new browser window http://www.icess.ucsb.edu to see the Institute for Computational Earth System Science (ICESS) web site.
The Institute for Computational Earth System Science (ICESS) provides an environment in which Earth system scientists can closely collaborate and perform computations not possible in many other research facilities. The focus is on research and research education in Earth system science, with an emphasis on processes governing the interactions of radiation and Earth.
Advances during the past decade in computer and satellite technology, and its ability to model complex systems, have opened unprecedented opportunities to increase understanding of the Earth as an integrated system. ICESS is on the leading edge of Earth system science research and related computer and data processing technology. It is uniquely positioned to utilize the extensive satellite capabilities that have started to come on-line from a variety of agencies and organizations. Currently there are few research/instructional units in the country, or indeed the world, with comparable research programs in computational Earth system science.
The ICESS field of research spans the globe and provides unique research opportunities to both undergraduate and graduate students. The facilities consist of state-of-the-art computing resources, an optical calibration laboratory, an electronics laboratory, a satellite receiver dish, a Seaspace TeraScan data acquisition and image processing system, a Bausch & Lomb UV Radiometer with access to nationwide UV data, comprehensive climate radiation data, and a variety of unique field equipment. The satellite receiver is used for the real-time acquisition of satellite data. This capability, in concert with the advanced networking facilities, makes current and historical satellite imagery electronically accessible at UCSB for both research and instruction.
As an Organized Research Unit the ICESS mission is to provide: a distributed, interdisciplinary computer environment for the promotion and support of research and research education in Earth system science; an interdisciplinary environment and computer-related services that enhance the excellence and competitive advantage of UCSB global change research; a center of excellence to provide visibility and aid in the attraction of top faculty and students to UCSB; and efficiently-run business operations and administration that support research.
Open a new browser window http://www.crustal.ucsb.edu to see the Institute for Crustal Studies web site.
The purpose of the Institute for Crustal Studies is to increase the understanding of the earth's crust and lithosphere, including the portions below the sea floor. New technical approaches to issues involving the earth's crust are being explored through collaborative research projects between the university, government, and industry. The research agenda of Crustal Studies includes tectonics, crustal structure and materials, earthquakes, and hazardous waste disposal. The research activities of the institute include faculty and students from the departments of biological sciences, engineering, geography, geological sciences, mathematics, and physics, and the environmental studies program.
Institute for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Research (ISBER)
Open a new browser window http://www.isber.ucsb.edu to see the Institute for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Research (ISBER) web site.
The Institute for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Research (ISBER) conducts interdisciplinary basic and policy research, and offers research development support, on a wide spectrum of problems. ISBER provides an active program of research development in the social sciences and related areas. Investigators are from the social and behavioral sciences, the humanities and those sciences involved with environmental issues. Areas investigated range from the globalization of industry, archaeology in the Americas, how health care data are acquired and used in research, the economics of criminal justice and the linguistics of almost extinct modern languages, to the sociology of religion. A number of centers have been established to focus on specific areas of interest. These include the Center for Global Studies, East Asia Center, Center for Communication and Social Policy, Health Data Research Facility, Center for Advanced Study of Individual Differences, Center for Evolutionary Psychology, Center for the Study of Religion, Center for the Study of Discourse, Center for the Study of Sexual Minorities in the Military, and the MesoAmerican Research Center. One of ISBER's principle objectives is to promote research which is focused on global issues.
Marine Science Institute (MSI)
Open a new browser window http://www.msi.ucsb.edu to see the MSI web site.The Marine Science Institute (MSI) ranks internationally as a leader in ocean research. MSI supports research projects involving faculty, students, and researchers spanning 14 academic disciplines. Much of MSI's impact arises from the unusual interdisciplinary research that the Institute fosters. Ecology mingles with geography, physics with geology, and chemistry with oceanography to expand our understanding of the ocean world. In addition, MSI takes a broad view of ocean science, looking at interconnections between ocean, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. MSI's faculty and professional researchers stand at the forefront of their fields, regularly redefining our current knowledge of marine science and policy.
The UCSB campus is situated on a promontory overlooking the Pacific Ocean, one of only a handful of universities worldwide located directly on the coast. Surrounded by a rich diversity of coastal habitats, MSI serves as the focal point for ocean-related programs on this unique campus and offers unparalleled opportunities for undergraduate and graduate education. MSI consists of four centers of research activity: the Coastal Research Center, the Marine Biotechnology Center, the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, the Ocean and Coastal Policy Center. In addition, MSI hosts two Long Term Ecological Research programs, one in Antarctica and the other examining linkages between coastal watersheds and kelp forests in the Santa Barbara Channel. MSI is also the regional headquarters for the management of six University of California Reserve System reserve sites, which serve as natural laboratories for field research and teaching.
Neuroscience Research Institute (NRI)
Open a new browser window http://lifesci.ucsb.edu/nriweb to see the NRI web page.The Neuroscience Research Institute (NRI) is concerned with understanding the cellular and molecular principles underlying function of the nervous system. Its primary purpose is to further basic research of an interdisciplinary nature in cellular and molecular neuroscience. Areas of emphasis include research on vision, neurotrophic molecules and their receptors, the physiology and molecular organization of ion channels, neural development, the response of the central nervous system to injury, neurodegeneration and associated disorders, regenerative capacity of the nervous system, synaptic transmission, and neuropharmacology. The academic disciplines involved include cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, developmental biology, biopsychology, biophysics, and bioengineering. Two centers have been established within the NRI to focus specific problems : the Center for the Study of Age-related Macular Degeneration, and the Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders.
Open a new browser window http://www.qi.ucsb.edu to see the Quantum Institute web site.The Quantum Institute is an interdisciplinary research unit that facilitates research in the fundamental properties of complex systemssystems as diverse as superfluid helium, liquid crystals, magnetic nanostructures and semiconductor superlattice and quantum wells. The Institute embraces the Center for Terahertz Science and Technology (CTST), the Center for Spintronics and Quantum Computation (CSQC), and the Center for Nonlinear Sciences (CNLS). CTST offers opportunities for research in the biological, chemical, physical, and material sciences, using the unique properties of the UCSB free-electron lasers. CSQC explores fundamental scientific issues important for future quantum computation in solids. CNLS promotes interactions between researchers who share common interest in nonlinear problems and supports undergraduate and graduate education in the nonlinear sciences.
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UC Linguistic Minority Research Institute (LMRI)
Open a new browser window http://lmrinet.gse.ucsb.edu to see the UC Linguistic Minority Research Institute (UC LMRI) web site.
The UC Linguistic Minority Research Institute (UC LMRI) is a Multicampus Research Unit of the University of California headquartered at UC Santa Barbara. The Institute involves faculty and projects at all nine UC campuses. The LMRI was established to conduct research on the education of language minority students in the K-12 education sector with the long-range goal of improving these students' access to college. An emphasis is placed on collaborative research with schools and school systems. The major activities of the LMRI include sponsoring research projects; collaborating with schools and educational agencies; conducting annual meetings, research conferences, institutes, and lectures; disseminating information on language minorities in various ways including a monthly newsletter, book publications, and an on-line information server with web services; and sponsoring professional development activities, which include coordinating a pre-doctoral fellowship program at UC campuses and hosting visiting scholars from all campuses in the UC system. The Institute is housed in Building 528, Room 4722. Telephone: (805) 893-2250. Facsimile: (805) 893-8673. E-mail: lmri@lmrinet.ucsb.edu.
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Open a new browser window http://omni.ucsb.edu/cbs to see the Center for Black Studies web site.
The Center for Black Studies conducts research on the social, historical, political, economic, and cultural meanings that have affected peoples of African heritage throughout the world. The center sponsors a faculty development program (dissertation fellows); supports and disseminates faculty research; organizes and presents seminars, lectures, and symposia; and serves as a liaison between the campus and the Santa Barbara community.
For information, see College of Engineering.Interdisciplinary Humanities Center
Open a new browser window http://www.ihc.ucsb.edu to see the Interdisciplinary Humanities Center web site.
The Interdisciplinary Humanities Center was established in 1987 as part of the University of California's initiative to encourage humanities education and research in the university curriculum. The center promotes innovative forms of collaborative research and teaching, including projects that overlap traditional disciplines. Participants at the center include UCSB faculty and students, as well as distinguished visiting scholars from around the world. The Center invites members of the Santa Barbara community to participate in its conferences and lectures. It also hosts a monthly symposium in which members of the UCSB public engage in discussion with distinguished members of the UCSB faculty. The Center is housed on the sixth floor of the Humanities and Social Sciences Building. Telephone: (805) 893-3907. Facsimile: (805) 893-4336.
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Open a new browser window http://nrs.ucop.edu to see the Natural Reserve System web site.
The University of California Natural Reserve System (NRS) was founded in 1965 to establish and maintain significant examples of California's diverse aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems for university-level teaching, research, and public service. In addition, many of these sites act as bases for research in nearby natural areas and provide database, housing, and experimental facilities. The thirty-three reserves in the system are open to all qualified individuals and institutions for scholarly work in disciplines ranging from geology and environmental sciences to anthropology and art.
The Santa Barbara campus administers six reserves: Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve, Coal Oil Point Reserve, Santa Cruz Island Reserve, Sedgwick Reserve, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory (SNARL) and Valentine Camp.
For more information on the NRS, contact the NRS campus office at 805-893-4127,
or email donnam@msi.ucsb.edu.
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Faculty in all colleges at UC Santa Barbara encourage students to work with them on research projects in their area of interest. A variety of scholarships and fellowships assist students in carrying out their research. For detailed information, see the appropriate college office.
Materials Research Laboratory Educational Outreach Program
Director: Dr. Fiona GoodchildCity College Interns in Materials Research (CCIMR)
Approximately 10 students and 2 faculty from Santa Barbara City College participate
in MRL research projects for 8 weeks each summer.
Research Interns in Science and Engineering (RISE)
Approximately 20 students from UCSB and other institutions work on research
projects with MRL faculty and other UCSB researchers in summer and academic
year internships.
Research Experience for Teachers
Coordinator: Dr. Fiona Goodchild
Research Experience for Teachers (RET)
MRL sponsors research experience for science teachers who spend six weeks
during the summer working in research groups led by MRL researchers. The teachers
also meet throughout the academic year to design ways of translating this research
experience into classroom science curriculum.
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