Research
At Yale Engineering, graduate students don’t just participate in innovation—they drive it. Through transformative research and dynamic collaborations, they are shaping What’s Next at the intersection of technology, discovery, and entrepreneurship.
From its establishment in 1852, Yale Engineering has never wavered in its mission: Innovate, advance knowledge, and apply our expertise toward solving the most crucial challenges of the day. Today, graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty members to tackle fundamental challenges and pioneer new technologies. From quantum computing and robotics to artificial intelligence and sustainable engineering, our vibrant research community is pushing the boundaries of science and technology through interdisciplinary collaboration to develop groundbreaking solutions, address global challenges, and shape the future of engineering.
Research Without Boundaries
At Yale Engineering, our eight departments serve as dynamic hubs where research spans both school-wide strategic areas of impact and deep disciplinary expertise. Through our strategic initiatives, we're driving innovations in artificial intelligence, robotics, materials, mathematical modeling and scientific computation, planetary solutions, and quantum science and engineering—all aimed at solving humanity's most pressing challenges. These areas naturally intersect across our departments, where the porous boundaries between disciplines—and across Yale's campus— empower our students to collaborate effortlessly with researchers in fields ranging from medicine and law to environmental science and data science. Explore our departments below to discover research areas that align with your interests:
Broaden Your Expertise
Yale's academic ecosystem offers Yale Engineering graduate students exceptional opportunities for intellectual growth beyond engineering. Students can explore courses throughout Yale's vast academic landscape, spanning multiple departments and professional schools. This academic flexibility enables students to develop unique combinations of knowledge that broaden their perspectives and spark new approaches to problem-solving. Note: Some courses may require instructor permission.
Convergence in Action
Yale Engineering graduate students are active collaborators across the entire Yale's campus. Our approach melts traditional barriers between disciplines, creating a vibrant nexus where seemingly distinct fields converge and collaborate. In this interdisciplinary environment, our biomedical engineers work alongside medical professionals on breakthrough cancer treatments, computer scientists partner with law professors to create AI systems that make legal information more accessible and reliable, and electrical engineers collaborate with surgeons on next-generation neural implants. These partnerships demonstrate how Yale Engineering serves as a catalyst for innovation across disciplines.
Research Centers, Institutes & Resources
Yale Engineering's research ecosystem extends beyond our departments through a robust network of specialized centers and institutes. Our faculty serve as directors and key partners in many of these facilities, where graduate students access cutting-edge technology and interdisciplinary expertise. These centers span fields from quantum computing to climate solutions, fostering breakthrough research and innovation. Below is a selection of centers and institutes that support our research community.
To view the complete list, please visit https://research.yale.edu/centers-institutes.
- Center for Biomedical Innovation & Technology
- Center for Engineering Innovation & Design
- Center for Materials Innovation
- Center for Green Chemistry & Green Engineering at Yale
- Center for Biomedical Data Science
- Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning
- Wu Tsai Institute
- Yale Cancer Center
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute
- Yale Center for Systems & Engineering Immunology
- Yale Center for Business & Environment
- Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture
- Yale Center for Research Computing
- Yale Energy Sciences Institute
- Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies
- Yale Institute for Foundations of Data Science
- Yale Institute for Preservation of Cultural Heritage
- Yale Planetary Solutions Project
- Yale Quantitative Biology Institute
- Yale Quantum Institute
- Yale Systems Biology Institute
- Yale University Cleanroom
- Yale Wright Laboratory
- Yale SEARCH Center
Beyond our centers and institutes, Yale Engineering graduate students have access to an extensive array of state-of-the-art facilities and specialized equipment. Our research infrastructure spans from bioinformatics and biostatistics platforms to advanced imaging systems and 3D printing technologies. Students can also take advantage of specialized fabrication facilities, including advanced prototyping shops, custom fabrication labs, glassblowing studios, and plant growth facilities.
To explore the full range of research resources, visit Research at Yale
From Lab to Launch
At Yale Engineering, bold ideas don’t stay in the lab—they fuel real-world impact. We empower our students to translate their visionary ideas and proof-of-concepts into real-world innovations. Through dedicated resources like Tsai CITY, the Center for Engineering Innovation & Design, and Yale Ventures, we provide a comprehensive ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurial talent, bridging the gap between academic research and commercial potential. Here, students turn groundbreaking research into real-world impact—whether through launching startups, developing new technologies, or partnering with industry leaders.