Penn Engineering Research and Innovation
Strategic Frontiers
As the pace and scale of global challenges increase, Penn Engineering is committed to leading transformative research that addresses society’s most urgent needs, from human health and sustainable systems to trustworthy AI and resilience.
Penn Engineering leverages its deep strengths across computing, materials, biology and design to empower faculty and students to pursue research along three strategic frontiers: Engineering Human Health, Engineering Physical Intelligence and Engineering Sustainable Infrastructure.
Engineering Human Health
Penn Engineering aims to transform medicine from reactive to predictive and personalized care. By integrating AI, biotechnology and immune engineering, our researchers focus on accelerating therapies, enabling early detection and creating regenerative solutions, ultimately improving health outcomes and expanding access to advanced, data-driven care worldwide.
Engineering Physical Intelligence
Penn Engineering is working to create AI systems that are embodied, collaborative and brain-inspired that can sense, learn and act in the real world. By integrating robotics, neuroscience and computation, our researchers are focusing on augmenting human intelligence and building adaptive, trustworthy machines that enhance discovery, creativity and real-world impact.
Engineering Sustainable Infrastructure
Penn Engineering aims to build a carbon-neutral, climate-resilient future by reimagining energy, computing and environmental systems. By integrating advanced materials, AI and urban-scale modeling, our researchers are working to develop sustainable technologies, circular resource systems and resilient infrastructure that connect innovation across scales to protect the planet and support equitable growth.
Big Ideas in Research
Penn Engineering’s call for Big Ideas empowers faculty and students to pursue high-risk, high-reward research that addresses humanity’s grand challenges, and provides the freedom to explore transformative ideas that traditional funding mechanisms often overlook. These ideas leverage Penn-wide strengths and are fueled by a spirit of collaboration, creativity and purpose.