Every day, scientists and scholars in Iowa State’s academically diverse College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) positively impact Iowa, the nation and the world with innovative research that pushes the boundaries of science, technology and the humanities.
Whether it’s in one of our virtual reality or robotics labs or in a state-of-the-art classroom, our community of LAS researchers is forging new paths—both individually and collaboratively.
Student solutions
Research is a key component of experiential learning, so LAS encourages undergraduate and graduate students to work with faculty to develop solutions to pressing global challenges. Our students are in the thick of research discoveries, like tracking superflares in space, measuring NBA basketball players’ participation in activism or improving vocal music education for children.
Creative collaborations
To address the grand challenges of our generation and enable new discoveries, many LAS researchers form collaborations across disciplines and continents. From the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory here on campus to esteemed government, industry and community partners across Iowa and the world, we build teams to drive research for the common good.
But we don’t stop there. LAS recently created a new interdisciplinary science communication certificate that equips our students with the knowledge, reasoning and ethics to effectively communicate scientific research advances while also addressing public controversy and misinformation.
True success
We are proud of our faculty members who have been elected to the prestigious American Association for the Advancement of Science and earned the National Science Foundation’s prestigious NSF CAREER award. However, the depth of our pride resides in the research conducted by our LAS students and faculty, which truly makes a difference in the world.
Our research matters
Recent discoveries
- Better eyewitness lineup improves accuracy, detecting innocence
Psychology researchers have developed a new tool to enhance police investigations.
- AAAS honors three LAS faculty for innovative research
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is honoring Joshua Rosenbloom, Aaron Sadow, and Yanhai Yin for their distinguished contributions to science.
- Research discovery could lead to treatment for cancer, obesity
Discovery of a "metabolic switch" could lead to effective treatments for childhood obesity and cancer.
- Warming climate means more, stronger Atlantic tropical storms
A warming climate could increase the number and severity of tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic, according to new LAS research.
Areas of research excellence
Research resources for students and faculty
- Undergraduate research information and opportunities
- Office of the Vice President for Research
- LAS grants and research opportunities
- U.S. Department of Energy Ames Laboratory
- Iowa State research stories in The Conversation
- Iowa State research stories in Futurity
- LAS pre-award grant support
- College departmental support team
Help us change the world
