Southern Connecticut State University’s research is making a difference—and you can too. From advancing autism research to improving coastal ecosystems, probing the cosmos, digging for historical relics, pioneering futuristic technologies, and beyond, we are leading the way in high-impact research.
Explore Research and Innovation at SCSU
Our research and creative centers are hubs of discovery, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Get involved in groundbreaking projects and work alongside expert faculty, gain real-world experience, and make an impact in the community—all while building skills that set you apart for the future.
- Learn more about our eight research centers.
- Explore STEM Research and Innovation.
- See examples from our annual research and creativity conferences.
Southern to Lead Connecticut Quantum Workforce Initiative
The university is a key partner in QuantumCT, a collaborative statewide initiative selected to receive a $15 million, two-year award from the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines program.
Hands-On Learning with World-Class Faculty
At Southern, research starts early. Undergraduate and graduate students - and even high school students - collaborate with renowned faculty experts on groundbreaking projects. Our interdisciplinary approach ensures students gain real-world, research-based learning experiences that set them apart in today’s job market.
A Hub for Innovation & Workforce Development
Located in New Haven’s thriving biotech and bioscience corridor, Southern connects students with specialized co-ops, internships, and research partnerships that fuel career readiness. With a growing doctoral program portfolio, including Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Business Administration, and Educational Leadership, Southern prepares graduates for the workforce of tomorrow.
Connecticut’s First and Only Carnegie-Designated Research 2 University
Southern is the state’s first and only R2-designated university and one of only 139 in the country. The Carnegie Classifications serve as the nation’s leading framework for categorizing research activity at colleges and universities in the United States, and serve as a critical benchmarking tool for policymakers, funders, and researchers.
Read: Southern Connecticut State University Earns Prestigious Carnegie R2 Designation — The First in Connecticut.
A Top Producer of Fulbright U.S. Scholars
Southern is the second-highest producer of Fulbright U.S. Scholars in the state of Connecticut, further solidifying its role as a leader in international academic exchange. Read story.
Honors College for the Intellectually Inquisitive Undergraduate
The Honors College is a four-year program designed for the academically superior student. Courses are interdisciplinary, research-based and team-taught by professors from different departments. Classes are also small for enriched discussion, each limited to an enrollment of 20 students.
Powered by Information
The academic heart of campus, Hilton C. Buley Library maintains over 100 databases and electronic collections and houses over half a million items, including books, serials, microforms, maps, government documents, rare books, video media, and more. The library is also home to an art gallery, two computer labs, the Learning Resources Center, a library instruction classroom, a Starbucks cafe, and quiet rooms for individual or group study.
Experiment In and Out of the Classroom
Graduate Student Gains Research Experience 130 Miles from Shore
Graduate student Abby Lucas, '22, M.S. '24, recounts her path to collecting environmental DNA samples in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. Read story.
Digging into Connecticut History
Anthropology students this summer have been exploring what lies underground on the property of the oldest house in Connecticut – the Henry Whitfield House State Museum in Guilford. Read story.
Alumni Update: Thomas Hoang, ’18
Immersed in research as a Southern undergrad, Thomas Hoang, ‘18, is pursuing a doctorate in biomedical sciences at the University of California San Diego and studying cancer. Read story.
Biology students set up camera traps and track wildlife around the Southern campus. Read story.
Physics Department Offers Quantum Research Opportunities for Students
Applied physics graduate student and Werth Fellow Max Martone has worked with QuantumCT, a statewide initiative to advance understanding and innovation in quantum technologies. Read Story.
High school senior Snigtha Mohnraj registered her first patent and earned the Youth Innovation Leadership Award from the CT Technology Council while a Werth Industry Academic Fellow. Read Story.
Following a military career in national security, Lonnie Garris III, ’93, is back at Southern and working with Werth Fellows on lab testing and experimentation for Cool Amps, his green-technology startup. Read story.
Find Your Place at Southern
If you’re excited to work hard and achieve your goals, discover who you are, build networks that advance your personal growth, try new things, and connect your passion to action... you’ll find it at Southern.
Take the Next Step
Expect to work hard and achieve your goals, to discover who you are, and to build networks that advance your personal growth. Expect to try new things and find your passion. Expect to change your life. It all starts right here.
Visit the Campus
Come visit our beautiful, growing campus, and meet the people who will help support and encourage you along your college journey.