As of March 2026, the UH was managing a $1.12-billion portfolio of awards, across 921 projects, mostly focused on improving the lives of state residents. This vast investment—including $945.7 million from federal agencies and $174.3 million from non-federal sources—is directed at areas of vital importance to Hawaiʻi, including agriculture/aquaculture, climate resilience, conservation, invasive species, health and health equity, student access and community impact.
“The research conducted at the University of Hawaiʻi improves the daily lives of every resident in the state,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “These projects—from addressing youth mental health and assessing the long-term impacts of the Maui wildfires, to securing our food and water—are essential services. Protecting and supporting UH research is protecting the future and resilience of our island home.”
Providing solutions
UH research provides tangible solutions to island challenges. A $20-million National Science Foundation award, Change Hawaiʻi, is in-part establishing a statewide climate mesonet—a network of land and coastal stations that tracks rainfall, temperature, wind and other key variables in real time. This system gives local agencies the data they need to forecast floods and drought, manage wildfire risk and protect critical infrastructure, strengthening community resilience across the islands. At the same time, conservation projects are working to prevent the extinction of 37 endangered and threatened plant species in Maui Nui and to restore climate-resilient ecosystems on Oʻahu.
The fight against invasive species is critical to Hawaiʻi’s economy, environment, and quality of life. Current UH projects support Little Fire Ant mitigation and ongoing efforts to manage the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle at locations such as Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. In agriculture/aquaculture, research is introducing advanced technology, such as an AI-enhanced irrigation scheduling tool, to enable farmers statewide to benefit from precision water management.
Healthier communities
The impact of UH research directly impacts residents’ health and well-being. UH manages the Red Hill Independent Health Registry, tracking health outcomes and providing resources for those affected by the 2021 fuel release. The Hawaii Clinical Research Network for Health Equity is building a statewide clinical research network to improve health outcomes for underserved communities in Hawaiʻi by expanding access to research participation, clinical trials and tailored, community-informed interventions.
UH is also advancing the overall health and readiness of Hawaiʻi’s children through the Hawaiʻi Keiki: Healthy & Ready to Learn program. Partnering with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education, UH Mānoa Nursing leads a statewide, school-based health system that places nurses and other health professionals in public and charter schools to provide on-campus care, preventive screenings, telehealth, and wellness education. By improving access to essential health services, reducing health-related absenteeism, and coordinating care with families and community providers, Hawaiʻi Keiki helps ensure that Hawaiʻi’s keiki can come to school healthy, stay in class, and thrive academically.
By supporting UH, the community ensures that critical, place-based solutions continue to be developed right here at home, guaranteeing a healthier, more resilient future for all of Hawaiʻi’s people.
