Columbia Engineering hosts a number of Research Centers, as well as many Initiatives, Labs, and other collaborations that advance research, scholarship, education, and related service and training activities. We also co-host several Institutes along with other Columbia schools.
Read more about our major Centers.
Starting a New Center
Columbia Engineering follows the processes set by the Office of the Provost for establishing, naming, and reviewing Centers and Institutes, with a few key differences. Please note the following guidelines if you’re considering starting a new Center:
- Columbia Engineering requires that all Centers go through the approval process set by the Office of the Provost, regardless of whether their activities cross multiple schools or are entirely within the Engineering school. The Office for Research will guide you through this process.
- Centers not funded by a Center-scale sponsored research award (such as from a Federal, State, or City agency), must meet certain criteria for funding level, multi-departmental faculty participation, and proposed impact. The Office for Research can advise you on Center establishment criteria specific to your situation. Please contact us to learn more.
Center Review
In accordance with policy set by the Office of the Provost, Centers undergo review by the leadership of their primary host school. These reviews are intended to help schools identify if the Centers and Institutes are meeting their stated missions and fiscal goals. The Office for Research will contact the Directors and administrative staff of each Center when that Center is due for review.