Science Education

Tackling Societal Challenges With Science

Take on the world’s most urgent challenges with the tools of science. From the deployment of vaccines to grappling with pressing issues like climate change, science is increasingly on the front lines — and in the headlines. UNE’s institutional history is deeply entwined with the sciences — from the biosciences and chemistry courses that provide the foundation for our graduate health professions programs to our groundbreaking neuroscience and marine science research centers, to newer majors related to data science, health informatics, and more.

At UNE, you get a lot of different opportunities to do research, work in labs, and gain experience that you need for after you graduate and move on to the real world. If you're in love with the sciences, it’s the place to be.” — Olivia Scott, Biological Sciences/Environmental Science, ’20

Olivia Scott stands smiling at the camera

Research Leadership Creates Unparalleled Student Opportunities

UNE has an “R2” Carnegie classification (“High Research Activity”) and is home to nine centers and institutes that promote research in a wide range of fascinating areas (including neuroscience, the North Atlantic, public health, aging, and collaborative education). As the only Maine University with two NIH-funded research centers, UNE has emerged as a regional leader in biomedical research.

At UNE, we take pride in offering unprecedented opportunities for students to engage in faculty-led research, even as undergraduates. Our labs conduct ground-breaking research in areas like neuroscience and pharmaceutical development, and do exhilarating fieldwork from the hills of Vermont to the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

There’s no better way to gain hands-on experience and to enrich your education.

Hands reach toward a baby bird laying on a scale in the grass

U N E students work on a research boat surrounded by water

200+

number of undergraduate students who have given presentations at regional and national conferences during the last six years

41%

percentage of UNE seniors who have worked with faculty on research projects, compared with 23% at all colleges surveyed by the NSSE

Fighting Climate Change

At UNE, we are committed to helping our planet thrive for generations to come. That commitment is embedded in everything UNE does, from our environmental studies programs to our sustainability and business major, to various campus initiatives and University policies.

two U N E students examine an aquaculture tank

A U N E student uses a water temperature tool

Two U N E students examine an outdoor aquaculture tank

Two U N E students wear snorkeling equipment in the ocean

Improving Health through Science

Combating Antibiotic Resistance

Imagine yourself working on research that supports the health of people and communities. In programs spanning from Chemistry to Neuroscience, UNE students have immersive learning experiences that prepare them to find solutions for real-world challenges. Our leading degree programs in biological, physical, and health sciences position you for a rewarding career in research, education, entrepreneurship, and beyond.

In January 2024, UNE was awarded a $10.8 million NIH grant to support establishment of the Center for Cell Signaling Research (CCSR), continuing the University’s growth as a biomedical research leader.

A Campus By the Sea

Our marine science programs attract a lot of attention, and with good reason: our shoreline location — where the mouth of the Saco River meets the Gulf of Maine (the fastest warming body of ocean water in the world) — makes UNE an ideal spot for studying a variety of marine environments and species.

As an environmental science major, you can examine the ecology of the tidal marshes in our own backyard. Biddeford Pool is the largest tidal pool in Maine and is great for observing coastal wildlife.

Watch videos about our Marine and Environmental programs