Advancing research, innovation, entrepreneurship and strategic partnerships at ASU
Knowledge Enterprise
We are changing the way the world solves problems.
Driving discovery, innovation and solutions
Knowledge Enterprise is the engine that drives discovery and innovation at Arizona State University, one of the fastest growing research institutions in the U.S. We empower researchers, forge partnerships, invest in our communities and pioneer interdisciplinary thinking. Our goal is not simply to find solutions, but to fundamentally reshape how the world solves problems.
News
Research matters
Research unlocks discoveries and creates opportunity. It develops new technologies and new ways of doing — discoveries that change the world and make America the world’s leading economic power.
ResearchDiscoveryInnovationImpact
ResearchDiscoveryInnovationImpact
Our impact
Arizona State University is a global leader in interdisciplinary research, discovery and development. Our rapid growth and top rankings demonstrate our success at delivering new knowledge and solutions that support thriving people, a thriving planet and thriving societies.
2025: Delivering innovation
ASU Knowledge Enterprise drives research that matters to you — whether that’s diagnosing diseases early, turning Arizona into the nation’s chip-churning powerhouse, making smart use of water in the desert or preparing a workforce with skills to shape the future.
$1.003 billion
ASU has expanded its research enterprise more than sixfold in the past 20 years, surpassing $1 billion in research expenditures in FY 2024.
268+ companies
More than 268 companies have launched based on ASU innovations, attracting $1.5 billion in external funding.
#1 in innovation
For the eleventh year in a row, U.S. News & World Report named ASU the most innovative school in the U.S. in its 2026 college rankings, ahead of MIT and Stanford.
Lab Coat Optional podcast
On Lab Coat Optional, host Pete Zrioka interviews ASU researchers at the forefront of their fields — minus the jargon. Leave your lab coat at the door and tune in to learn about the latest research from ASU.
Lab Coat Optional
Lab Coat Optional is the show where research is made relatable. Each episode, we dive into the research, the people behind it and why it matters. Tune in for smart, accessible conversations on the latest research from Arizona State University, released every other Wednesday.
We are a production of Knowledge Enterprise at ASU. Learn more at research.asu.edu.
Our rising energy demand, explained, with Kelly Barr and Gary Dirks
Energy demand is surging. To understand what’s driving it and how we’re going to meet it, I’m joined by energy veterans Kelly Barr and Gary Dirks from the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory. They explain the complicated nature of energy planning, why nuclear energy is getting another look and why when it comes to navigating our energy future — reliability is king.
Further reading:
- Analysis from the International Energy Agency
- Reports from the U.S. Energy Information Administration
- RMI research and analysis
Learn more about Energy Forward, a unit of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.
Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu.
Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice!
Get in touch with us at [email protected].
Episode credits
Executive produced by Kate Howells
Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka
Hosted by Pete Zrioka
Shot by Alexander Chapin
Edited by Alexander Chapin
Original music from Patrick Cheung
Motion graphics by Andy Ramos
Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz
Social media by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson
Clips
The growing environmental impact of AI data centers’ energy demands — PBS News Hour
How AI is driving a sharp rise in electricity bills — PBS News Hour
NBC 5 Responds: Soaring energy bills — NBC 5 Chicago
POWER CRISIS: Electricity demand SURGES as AI takes over — Fox Business
Inside the numbers: How data centers are increasing energy use — ABC15 Arizona
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Lab Coat Optional
Lab Coat Optional is the show where research is made relatable. Each episode, we dive into the research, the people behind it and why it matters. Tune in for smart, accessible conversations on the latest research from Arizona State University, released every other Wednesday.
We are a production of Knowledge Enterprise at ASU. Learn more at research.asu.edu.
The hidden side of national security — and not stealth planes! with Nadya Bliss
Nadya Bliss — executive director of the Advanced Capabilities for National Security Institute — explains how national security is more than tanks and battleships. She breaks down the vital role university research plays behind the scenes to anticipate emerging needs, strengthen infrastructure, accelerate innovation and quietly prevent conflict.
Further reading:
- Listen to Sources & Methods, NPR’s nat sec podcast
- Check out Phantom Orbit: A Thriller, by David Ignatius
Learn more about the Advanced Capabilities for National Security Institute at Arizona State University.
Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu.
Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice!
Get in touch with us at [email protected].
Episode credits
Executive produced by Kate Howells
Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka
Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka
Shot by Alexander Chapin
Edited by Alexander Chapin
Original music from Patrick Cheung
Motion graphics by Andy Ramos
Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz
Editorial support from Diane Boudreau
Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson
Disclosure:
Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.
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Lab Coat Optional
Lab Coat Optional is the show where research is made relatable. Each episode, we dive into the research, the people behind it and why it matters. Tune in for smart, accessible conversations on the latest research from Arizona State University, released every other Wednesday.
We are a production of Knowledge Enterprise at ASU. Learn more at research.asu.edu.
ASU-Science Prize winners talk transforming messy datasets into solutions [BONUS]
Bonus episode!
Guest host Dr. Lara Ferry, vice president for research at ASU Knowledge Enterprise, talks with Meha Jain, of the University of Michigan and Mayank Kejriwal, of the University of Southern California, the inaugural winners of the ASU-Science Prize for Transformational Impact, presented by ASU and Science.
Further reading:
Learn more about AAAS and follow on LinkedIn, Instagram and Bluesky. Consider becoming a member, too!
Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at ASU’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu.
Get in touch with us at [email protected].
Episode credits
Executive produced by Kate Howells
Produced by Alexander Chapin, Pete Zrioka and Carrie Herrera Niesen
Hosted by Lara Ferry
Shot by Alexander Chapin
Edited by Quinton Kendall and Alexander Chapin
Original music from Patrick Cheung
Motion graphics by Andy Ramos
Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz
Social media by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson
Special thanks to Sally C. Morton
![ASU-Science Prize winners talk transforming messy datasets into solutions [BONUS]](https://media.rss.com/lab-coat-optional/ep_cover_20260212_090240_1494c18e56a7f82fe42bd06547400eaa.png)
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Explore our resources
Accelerate your research
Whether you need help finding funding opportunities, crafting a proposal or commercializing your discoveries — ASU supports researchers through the entire research cycle.
Partner with us
We can accomplish more together. Find out how you can create customized partnerships with ASU that help your organization thrive.
Gain career experience
Students are vital to our ecosystem of research, entrepreneurship and innovation. Find opportunities to apply your coursework to hands-on projects and real-world challenges.
Support discovery
Philanthropy plays an important role in creating knowledge, pioneering discovery and catalyzing innovation. Learn how your gift can advance our work.
Be a part of ASU Knowledge Enterprise
Advance your career while making a difference. Knowledge Enterprise employees support research and innovation that benefits our communities and our world. And they enjoy generous and broad benefits including health and life insurance, retirement, tuition reduction and much more.