Research at the university, apart from that conducted by students in connection with their academic course work, is in general intended to lead to publication in some form so that its results are available to interested persons everywhere. The university does not accept grants from or enter into contracts with governmental agencies or any other sponsors for research projects of which the results may not be made publicly accessible; all university-conducted research must be available for public scrutiny and use.

Most research projects at the university are carried on by faculty members and students within the facilities offered by their own departments, but for on-campus research that cannot be conducted in department facilities, laboratories, or the library, the university has provided a number of cooperative research centers and bureaus. A list of the university`s research centers may be found in the Divisions of the University chapter.