Faculty, students, and staff at Northern Arizona University are actively engaged in their disciplines and in scholarly work, and NAU is known and recognized as the major research university producing basic and applied knowledge addressing the challenges of the interior western US.  NAU graduates understand the nature of research, investigation, and original work, and are prepared to contribute such work to their communities and employers.  NAU is nationally known as a center for first-rate undergraduate research and creative work. 

The university attracts substantial financial and other resources to support the scholarship and research of faculty, staff, and students.  Research administration at NAU provides the expertise, service, and resources needed to facilitate and to promote the university’s research agenda.

Mission Statement: Northern Arizona University’s research and creative activities result in new knowledge and innovation that

• strengthen the outstanding education provided by the university;
• foster the continued learning of faculty, staff and students;
• and benefit the environmental, economic, and cultural vitality of our region and society. 

The mission of the Research Office at NAU is to foster opportunities for research, scholarship, and creative activity, and to ensure accountable and responsible management of resources in those endeavors.