Boise research and outreach

Pioneering research and discovery in Boise

Research drives University of Idaho’s mission to improve lives and strengthen communities. U of I employs top-tier faculty across the state and offers a vast array of innovative research programs only available at one of the nation’s top 4% of research universities, earning U of I a Carnegie R1 research university designation — the only university in the state to earn the accolade.

U of I’s research centers and institutes in Boise and southwest Idaho are driving innovation and creating real-world solutions. Cutting-edge facilities bring together expert faculty, industry leaders and passionate students to tackle some of today’s most pressing challenges. Our research hubs in Boise and the surrounding areas are shaping the future by delving into studies on everything from environmental sustainability and engineering advancements to practical healthcare solutions.

Are you a student looking to engage in meaningful research, a business seeking expert insights or a partner interested in driving innovation? University of Idaho Boise’s research and outreach programs provide the expertise and resources to make a difference. 

Discover our impact and outreach across industries in southwest Idaho

U of I is Idaho’s land-grant university. We’re committed to helping local communities across the state thrive through extension programs, top-tier research and collaborative solutions — addressing the needs of Idahoans.

The research conducted at U of I Boise spans a wide range of disciplines, from water resources and engineering to architecture and public policy, and shapes solutions that impact Idaho and beyond.

Explore agricultural resources

Serving Idaho’s robust agriculture economy, UIdaho supports agricultural extension centers and research institutes throughout the state. These programs provide Idahoans with access to experts and resources in topics including aquaculture, nutrition education, food safety and processing and pesticide management.

• Aquaculture Research Institute — Hagerman
• Caldwell Research and Extension Center
• Kimberly Research and Extension Center
• Parma Research and Extension Center
• Pesticide Safety Management
• University of Idaho Extension, Twin Falls County
• University of Idaho Extension, Ada County
• Rangeland Center

Explore community resources

U of I Boise supports several organizations that provide important services that help our communities thrive in southwest Idaho and beyond.

• UI Extension 4-H Youth Development
• TRIO Programs
• Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development
• Western Rural Development Center (WRDC)

Explore architectural resources

Located in the heart of downtown Boise, College of Art and Architecture’s Integrated Design Lab and Urban Design Center offer industry partners and students the opportunity to benefit from cutting-edge research and advanced design studio spaces.

• Integrated Design Lab
• Urban Design Center

Explore policy and law resources

As Idaho’s capital, Boise is the center of political and administrative activities in the state. UIdaho provides the southwest Idaho region with several policy and law resources through the Boise-based McClure Center and U of I College of Law.

• James A. & Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research
• Patent and Trademark Resource Center
• Small Business Legal Clinic

Discover water-related resources

Idaho has 93,000 miles of streams and rivers and over 2,000 lakes, underscoring the importance of effectively managing and protecting our water resources. U of I Boise conducts water research and provides industry-leading facilities like CER’s 20-meter-long StreamLab and Aquatic Imaging Flume.

• Center for Ecohydraulics Research
• Idaho Water Resources Research Institute