Carnegie Mellon University
Future of Science  ›  Research of the Future

Supporting scientists solving real world problems with creativity and collaboration

The science needed to solve the problems of our rapidly changing world will spring from the ideas and talents of people from many backgrounds and skill sets. Discovery occurs when diverse perspectives come together to ask the right questions and answer them in new and innovative ways. Research now and in the future requires deep disciplinary knowledge that is not constrained within silos.

Through the future of science initiative, Carnegie Mellon is making strategic investments in the evolution of scientific research. The research of the future will involve powerful cross-disciplinary teams working in spaces where CMU is a leader and will focus on emerging areas ripe for world-changing breakthroughs.

When dedicated people from diverse fields and perspectives work together and bring their expertise in foundational science, technology, computation, artificial intelligence and data analytics to bear on a problem, they can solve things that were previously thought to be unsolvable.

With your support, we will answer problems of worldwide consequence and revolutionize science for the future through expansive collaboration and innovation.

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Carnegie Mellon Receives $10M for Future of Science Initiative Read More

Research Areas

Computational FinanceComputational Finance

Computational finance is essential to the workings of global financial markets. CMU brings together four disciplines — financial economics, mathematics, information systems and data analytics — to move the field forward through research that responds to advances in technology, shifts in regulatory regimes and diverse competitive pressures.

CosmologyCosmology

The McWilliams Center for Cosmology brings together physicists, computer scientists, machine learning researchers and statisticians to create and apply cutting-edge data science methods to make major advances in the analysis of large cosmological datasets and simulations. CMU researchers play key roles in the next-generation cosmological surveys and experiments, which will reveal new clues about the mysteries of the universe. . 

Life Sciences BreakthroughsLife Sciences Breakthroughs

By combining its expertise in biological sciences and chemistry with artificial intelligence, machine learning and computational technologies, CMU is leading the development of the computational theory and the algorithms needed to handle the explosive growth in genomic and multi-omic data. CMU researchers are also conducting the basic science research that will lead to tomorrow's treatments for diseases like cancer and Parkinson's. 

Materials of the FutureMaterials of the Future

In energy, medicine, manufacturing, and many other sectors, the design and development of new materials is crucial to problem solving and progress. CMU researchers are working in all of these fields, using new tools to create next generation batteries and improved fuel cells for energy storage; implants and sensors to promote healing from injury or disease; and polymer materials for a myriad of commercial uses.

Mathematical Foundations of Artificial IntelligenceMathematical Foundations of Artificial Intelligence

The mathematical foundations upon which AI is built remain largely unexplored and not well understood. CMU has the capacity, vision and desire to explore, understand and explain the mathematical foundations of artificial intelligence in order to enhance the advancement and reliability of AI applications for now and the future. 

NeuroscienceNeuroscience

Harnessing CMU’s core strengths in cognitive science, computation, data science and engineering, the Neuroscience Institute conducts interdisciplinary research to understand and improve brain function in both healthy and diseased brain, invent and apply the next generation of neural technologies and tools, and create leaders with the cross-disciplinary skills and knowledge to use neural sciences to solve tomorrow’s problems.

Quantum InformationQuantum Information

Making progress on big questions in many areas of research and technology — from cancer to climate change — will depend on quantum computing. CMU has the expertise in place to advance the field at an explosive pace, including specialists in two-dimensional materials, theoretical physics, topological quantum computing and device building, and algorithm development.

Sustainability ScienceSustainability Science

Environmental pollutants are the cause of some of the most serious threats to society. These challenges need to be addressed holistically using science. CMU researchers are creating a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world through their diverse portfolio of research in air quality, climate change and green chemistry.  

Funding Opportunities

Endowed PROFESSORSHIPS

  • $3 million funds an endowed professorship, providing research support for faculty and the postdocs, graduate students and undergraduate students who work with them.
  • $1.5 million will fund a career development chair for early career faculty.

Fellowships and Scholarships

  • $100,000 funds fellowships
  • $50,000 funds scholarships for promising student researchers.

BREAKTHROUGH AND OTHER Research Funds

  • $25,000+ provides valuable support for our researchers as they investigate new ideas.

Undergraduate Research Funds

  • $25,000 gives undergraduate students the opportunity to conduct original research and provides them with valuable experiences as the become the scientists of the future.

INFORMATIONAL ONE PAGERS (PDF)

Future of Science One Pager

CONTACT INFORMATION

Nancy Felix
Associate Dean for Advancement,
Mellon College of Science
412-268-6442
mcs-advancement@andrew.cmu.edu

Link to Capital Campaign
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