Research & Discovery

This page highlights the astonishing amount of scientific discovery happening at Columbia, one of the world’s leading research universities. 

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Clockwise from top left: An iceberg stranded on a submerged rock in northwest Greenland (Karl Zinglersen); homo erectus crania from the Turkana Rift (John Rowan); a mosquito feeding (Alex Wild); a shell of thick gas and dust (red) expelled from the outer layers of a star as its core collapses into a black hole. The inner regions show a heated ball of gas (white) continuing to fall into the central black hole. (Keith Miller, Caltech/IPAC - SELab)
Columbia University Discoveries in 2025-26 to Know About

Here are some of the top scientific research findings of the past academic year.


 

RECENT STORIES

The gift will expand a comprehensive, multi-institution assessment of how best to prepare students for an AI-driven workforce.

The initiative will support the careers of outstanding junior faculty members as they develop into leaders in psychiatry.

Psychology researchers used virtual reality and MRI technology to better understand how locations help us encode memories.

CUIMC’s Dr. Maureen McKiernan, with an assist from Dr. Andrew Goldstone, performs surgery on the “ragged edge of what’s possible.”

Climate School Dean Alexis Abramson focuses on making buildings more efficient through data, machine learning, and smart design.

Columbia Biomedical Engineer Ke Cheng has developed a technique that delivers two therapeutic proteins directly to the lungs.

Ferroptosis, a process discovered by Columbia biologist Brent R. Stockwell, could help defeat some of the deadliest cancers.

Columbia Climate School researchers' new findings could help millions who lack access to potable water.

What is the nature of dark matter? A new experiment led by Columbia University physics professors aims to find out.

Columbia News spotlights 2025 Columbia University research breakthroughs you should know about.

Columbia Professor Brian Metzger helped other astronomers interpret their observations of the unexpected stellar event.

Fellowship is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors.