At The University of New Mexico, research spans far beyond laboratories and lecture halls, shaping innovation, collaboration and real-world solutions across disciplines.
Led by the Office of the Vice President for Research, UNM's research enterprise supports faculty, students and partners in exploring questions that impact both New Mexico and the global community.
In the latest episode of It's Probably Not Rocket Science titled "WE R1: A conversation with UNM's Vice President for Research," Ellen Fisher said the role of the office is to guide strategy, ensure compliance, and build the infrastructure needed to support research across the university.
"We're responsible for making sure that any kinds of initiatives that we're interested in pursuing as an institution get done," Fisher said.
UNM's research portfolio spans a wide range of disciplines, from science and engineering to the arts, humanities and social sciences. That breadth allows researchers to collaborate across fields, addressing complex challenges that require multiple perspectives.
"It really is a quite broad portfolio," Fisher said. "I don't think people always realize how expansive the research portfolio really is."
Collaboration plays a central role in that work. Partnerships with institutions such as Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory, as well as universities and organizations across the country and internationally, help expand research opportunities and impact.
"These kinds of partnerships become breeding grounds for innovation and workforce development," Fisher said.
In recent years, UNM has also focused on strengthening its research infrastructure and adaptability. Following shifts in federal funding priorities, the university has worked to help researchers remain competitive and responsive in a changing landscape.
"We've really come out of that with increased emphasis on resilience," Fisher said.
One area of growth is quantum science, where UNM is working with state and national partners to build a broader ecosystem around quantum computing, materials and technology development. The effort brings together higher education institutions, national laboratories and private industry to position New Mexico at the forefront of emerging technology.
"It's probably one of the biggest technology revolutions that we're going to see in our lifetimes," Fisher said.
Beyond large-scale initiatives, research at UNM includes a wide range of projects, from studying brain function and decision-making to analyzing the structure and movement of tumbleweeds. These diverse efforts highlight the university's commitment to exploring questions across all areas of inquiry.
To support that work, UNM has developed programs aimed at strengthening collaboration and reducing barriers for faculty. Initiatives such as the Grand Challenges program bring together interdisciplinary teams to address major issues, while faculty development programs provide training and resources to expand research opportunities.
"Research is education," Fisher said, emphasizing the connection between faculty success and student success.
Through these efforts, UNM continues to expand its research impact while creating opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning and real-world problem solving.
"The research at UNM is absolutely amazing. It is world-class," Fisher said
To listen to It's Probably Not Rocket Science, visit podcast.unm.edu, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
