Two people holding hands and smiling while dancing.

UWF studies positive impacts of dance for individuals with dementia

A study by a team of University of West Florida researchers, conducted with Council on Aging of West Florida’s adult day care, The Retreat, uncovered insights into the positive impact of dance on individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. The study concluded that 12 weeks of adapted dance is feasible and enjoyable for persons […]

Three people look at a life-size robot in a lab

UWF-IHMC Research Team awarded $478,000 Office of Naval Research grant

A University of West Florida-Institute for Human Machine & Cognition research team received a $478,000 grant for the acquisition of advanced robotic platforms and equipment from the Defense University Research Instrumentation Program of the Office of Naval Research. The grant was one of only 64 grants awarded in the nation. Dr. Robert Griffin and Dr. […]

Scientist looks down into a microscope in a lab setting.

UWF earns high research activity designation from Carnegie Foundation

The University of West Florida was designated a Research 2:  High Spending and Doctorate Production institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. This is the first time the University has received this reputable classification.  “This recognition highlights the outstanding contributions of our faculty, demonstrating that those engaged in research activities are not […]

Professional headshot of Dr. Jerry Lin

University of West Florida welcomes new associate vice president of research administration and engagement

The University of West Florida announces Dr. Jerry Lin as the new associate vice president of research administration and engagement, effective January 6, 2025. In this position, Lin will lead the department’s work with faculty, students and staff to cultivate, develop and preserve the highest quality research, scholarship and creative activities, affirming UWF’s place as […]

Four UWF professors stand side by side inside a building

Four UWF faculty members ranked among world’s Top 2% of Scientists

Four University of West Florida researchers earned a place on Stanford/Elsevier’s Top 2% Scientist Rankings lists in 2024 and 2023. The prestigious list identifies the world’s leading researchers, representing approximately 2% of all scientists worldwide.  Dr. Jim Spain, research professor in the Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation, Dr. Frank Gilliam, professor in the Department […]

Dr. Vanessa Rainey, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology, and Elizabeth Black, a psychology major in her senior year, use an EEG cap to help research sensory information processing

UWF student studies brain signals in individuals with ADHD and autism

A UWF Usha Kundu, MD College of Health student is taking a look at how people with autism or ADHD process sensory information compared to neurotypical people, or individuals without ADHD or autism, to get a better understanding of their sensitivities to stimuli. “Some people with ADHD or Autism tend to experience sensory issues where […]

Dr. Rodney Guttmann, a biology professor in UWF’s Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering

UWF faculty member awarded prestigious NIH grant to further Alzheimer’s research

Dr. Rodney Guttmann, a biology professor in UWF’s Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering, has been awarded his second major National Institute of Health R15 grant, marking a significant milestone in his ongoing research on early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. The three-year, $420,000 renewal grant awarded earlier this fall brings the total funding to […]

Aerial view of Pensacola Beach and the Gulf of Mexico

UWF selected to join Gulf Scholars Program

The Gulf Scholars Program of The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has selected the University of West Florida to join the program’s fourth cohort. UWF will receive $525,000 over the course of five years from the Gulf Research Program to prepare undergraduate students to address pressing environmental, health, energy and infrastructure challenges in […]

All of Us Research Program

The All of Us Research Program invites campus and community to take part in the future of health research

The Wright Institute for Global and Population Health, housed in UWF’s Usha Kundu, MD College of Health, will sponsor the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Journey, a traveling educational exhibit that raises awareness about the All of Us Research Program from Oct. 22-25.  The program aims to speed up health research and medical […]

UWF Center for Cybersecurity awarded $750,000 NCAE-C Grant to Lead National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Task Force

The UWF Center for Cybersecurity was awarded a $750,000 grant from the National Security Agency National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) Program to lead the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Task Force. The task force will bring together the eight NCAE-C-funded workforce development programs, including CyberSkills2Work, an intensive cybersecurity education program led by UWF […]

Research by UWF professor uncovers how our brains stay ready

A University of West Florida Department of Mathematics and Statistics professor’s brain research was recently published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications. Dr. Shusen Pu’s study focused on the prefrontal cortex, a key area of the brain responsible for higher-order functions like decision-making and memory. The research, conducted in collaboration with Vanderbilt University and published […]

UWF awarded $895,905.60 for innovative research and to improve access to early breast cancer screenings

The University of West Florida was awarded $895,905.60 by Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis to support innovative cancer research. The award was part of $20 million awarded to researchers around the state as part of the Cancer Innovation Research Fund. UWF will use its portion of the funds to improve access to […]