Britney Schmidt lowering robotic oceanographer
Motivated by curiosity

Research, scholarship and creative works

The body of research, scholarship and creative works emerging from the College of Arts & Sciences is vast, with one common thread -- ALL of our research is curiosity-based. This model of inquiry confers intellectual flexibility, a precursor for innovation, creativity and discovery.

Foundational research

Foundational exploration at the center of a world-class research university

The College of Arts & Sciences is the home of foundational, theoretical and basic research at Cornell. Our researchers and scholars are all curiosity-driven and often collaborate across disciplines and colleges, partnering with applied scientists and researchers to tackle our greatest challenges. Faculty work side by side with postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students to explore the stars, our rural communities, our classrooms, and how humans and society affect the world in large and minute ways.

Below is a sample of the initiatives and projects that result when we collaborate to ask the big questions.

>100

More than 100 interdisciplinary research organizations, 18 Cornell research centers and 2 national research centers

>30%

Of A&S students work closely with faculty in research & independent study.

Research and scholarly excellence

Research and scholarly excellence

Faculty research

Faculty research

Undergraduate research

Undergraduate research

Let your curiosity expand your undergraduate experience

As an undergraduate student in the College you will have unique opportunity to do meaningful research in state of the art physics labs and ancient greek burial grounds. Your opportunities are endless.

Students conducting research in a lab

Nexus Scholars Program

Applications are now open for the new Nexus Scholars Program, which connects and supports undergraduate students in the College of Arts & Sciences with opportunities to work side by side with Cornell faculty from across the College over the summer on frontline research projects.

Open to first-year students, sophomores and juniors, the program also includes professional development workshops, career exploration events, and the chance to be part of a cohort from throughout the college who are passionate about learning.

Click here to learn more about the Nexus Scholar Program.