A University of Louisiana at Lafayette research faculty member looks through binoculars over water during a research trip into the Gulf of Mexico
  1. Research & Impact
  2. Impact in Louisiana

Impact in Louisiana

Our work improves lives across Louisiana through applied research, industry partnerships, and service.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette specializes in applied research that impacts the people, communities, and organizations in the Acadiana region, the state of Louisiana, the nation, and the world.

Sustainability, health care, new economies, new technologies, new processes, new products, new ideas—those are today’s challenges.

As South Louisiana’s primary hub for innovation and ideas, we are working to take on these challenges by building research partnerships among University students, faculty, government research labs, and the private sector to effectively change the state—and world—for the better.

This is Our Home

We are dedicated to preserving and enhancing Louisiana's resources and culture as well as supporting our neighbors.

Promote & Protect

Wildlife Recovery

UL Lafayette researchers earned international recognition for creating a mathematical model to determine how quickly wildlife can recover following natural disasters.

$250K

to examine the seafood supply chain

The University netted a $250k state grant to help create a comprehensive economic development strategy for the state’s coastal seafood industry.

Two University of Louisiana research professors testing their sensor system to detect flooding

Protecting the Public

The University’s Louisiana Watershed Flood Center is working to lead state and regional flood mitigation efforts. Using numerical models and data to identify flooding hotspots, they’re helping prepare for—and possibly prevent—flooding.

The Center for Louisiana Studies is home to the largest collection of Cajun and Creole artifacts in the country

Preserving Our Cultures

UL Lafayette is home to the largest collection of Cajun and Creole folklore artifacts, including audio and video recordings and photographs. And a team of researchers is searching for the Acadian exiles’ lost settlement — one of the most significant sites in Louisiana history.

Solar panels at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette alternative energy center

Engineering a Sustainable Future

UL Lafayette partners with private industry to provide alternative energy to the state. We use thermal power to turn farm and animal waste into energy, and our solar field laboratory powers the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns athletics facilities on campus.

Illustration of the portion of Louisiana where the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale exists

Unlocking Natural Resources

UL Lafayette is leading an interdisciplinary, multi-university effort to help unlock the 8-million-acre Tuscaloosa Marine Shale's potential 7 billion barrels of oil, thanks to a $9.7 million grant from energy industry partners and the U.S. Department of Energy.

UL Lafayette's Economic Impact

From the University's 2015 economic impact report

$8

generated from every $1 we receive in state funding

UL Lafayette creates a major economic return on investment — a 8x return on every $1 we receive.

$2.7 billion

Increase in statewide economic impact in Louisiana

That total supports more than 34,600 jobs – one out of every 78 jobs in the state.

$1.8 million

worth of volunteer service

UL Lafayette students, faculty, and staff performed 35,200 community service hours this year.

Our Recent Impact

$2.7 billion: New report details University's impact on state economy

NSF data again shines national spotlight on UL Lafayette

UL Lafayette to introduce visual effects curriculum