Research and Extension

Research

Research is an important activity at Iowa State University. Faculty members engage in research pursuits as well as teaching. Graduate students, and in some cases undergraduates, play an active part in this search for new knowledge.

Support for research at Iowa State University comes from state and federal appropriations as well as from contracts and grants involving the federal government and nonfederal organizations. As part of its total program, the university also operates extension services, special laboratories, centers, and institutes.

Official Research, Outreach, and/or Instructional Centers and Institutes at ISU as Recognized by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, are listed at http://www.vpresearch.iastate.edu/docs/centers.pdf. Additional information concerning any of these organizations and student research opportunities they support may be obtained from their administrative offices.

Iowa State University Extension

Iowa State University Extension builds partnerships and provides research-based learning opportunities to improve quality of life in Iowa. ISU Extension continues to lead the university-wide effort to engage Iowans with education and information about their issues and priorities.

Iowa State University is the state’s land-grant institution with the mission of learning, discovery, and engagement. Historically, ISU Extension has led the university in its formal engagement mission to Iowans. With an active partnership and presence in every county, ISU Extension continues to engage the people of Iowa with education and information through six program areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources; Business and Industry; Communities; Families; 4-H Youth Development; and Continuing Education.

Agriculture and Natural Resources. ISU Extension provides research-based information and education to agricultural producers, landowners, and agribusiness personnel to enhance the value of Iowa’s agricultural industry, increase rural vitality, and protect the state’s natural resources.

Business and Industry. ISU Extension links Iowa businesses and manufacturers with ISU specialists and research, community resources, training, assessment, and technical assistance for increased productivity and competitiveness.

Communities. ISU Extension helps organizations and local governments develop and build their capacity to make Iowa communities better places to live and work.

Families. ISU Extension offers education for families, professionals, and volunteers to build healthy family environments through meaningful behavior change.

4-H Youth Development. ISU Extension offers hands-on learning and science-based programs to help youth gain skills, confidence, and positive self-esteem so they can become successful, caring adults.

Continuing Education and Communication Services (CECS). CECS leverages resources and adds value to the programs and related materials needed by lifelong learners. CECS leads the development and delivery of ISU credit and noncredit courses, outreach institutes, seminars, conferences, workshops, and ISU Extension program materials to learners around the world.