Research

Today's research, tomorrow's future
Our department is ahead of the curve when it comes to innovative research. We continually strive to grow our internationally recognized computer science research programs and to build greater connections with other academic fields.
We contribute to the fundamental advances in computer science needed to address numerous grand challenges in areas such as the environment, agriculture, health, energy, safety and security, and autonomous algorithms and computing technology. These research endeavors all contribute to the economic competitiveness of Iowa and the nation.
Our department strives to engage in world-class research and to lead the way in key computing areas, such as software engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, theoretical foundations, and computer and networking systems. We also participate in research considered a national priority, including cybersecurity, quantum computing, robotics, and autonomous systems.
Opportunities for undergraduates
Our undergraduate students play a significant role in the computer science department's commitment to discovery, research, and creative work. They work alongside top-notch faculty who are exploring emerging data-rich and informatics-enabled disciplines. Together as a team, the students and faculty are contributing to the fundamental advances needed to address challenges in the environment, food, health, energy, and security.
Getting involved in undergraduate research offers students an opportunity to gain invaluable skills, to deeply investigate a field of study, and to make a profound difference in today's world.
Undergraduate research opportunities
Research and grant news



Labs
- Laboratory for Molecular Programming
- Laboratory for Software Analytics and Pervasive Parallelism
- Laboratory for Software Design
- Laboratory for Software Safety
- Laboratory for Wireless Networks and Systems
- Laboratory for Variability-Aware Assurance and Testing of Organic Programs
- Macrosystems Ecology Laboratory
- Software Engineering Research Laboratory
Centers and institutes
- BioCentury Research Farm
- Center for Cybersecurity Innovation & Outreach
- Center for Wireless, Communities & Innovation
- DOE Ames National Lab
- Dependable Data Driven Discovery Initiative
- Dependable Data Driven Discovery Traineeship
- Institute for Transportation
- Translational AI Center
- Virtual Reality Applications Center