Research

Astrophysicists Strike Gold
Since the big bang, the early universe had hydrogen, helium, and a scant amount of lithium. Later, some heavier elements, including iron, were forged in stars. But one of the biggest mysteries in astrophysics is: How did the first elements heavier than iron, such as gold, get created and distributed throughout the universe? A new answer has come from an unexpected place - magnetars.

New Team Record: LSU Eclipses Half-Billion Milestone in Research Activity
For four straight years in a row, LSU has soared in research. In the 2023-2024 academic year, LSU's research campuses in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport achieved a record-breaking $543 million in combined research activity. Not only did this lead to life-changing discoveries and support thousands of jobs--the direct economic impact of LSU research on Louisiana is higher than ever, estimated at $1.5 billion.

LSU Names Two Distinguished Research Masters
Each year, LSU's Office of Research & Economic Development honors the exceptional research and scholarship of two LSU faculty as Distinguished Research Masters.

Energy, Cyber Win: Idaho National Lab Solidifies Research Partnership with LSU
LSU and Battelle Energy Alliance, the company that manages Idaho National Laboratory (INL), have agreed to collaborate in areas of mutual interest, including cybersecurity and advanced nuclear technology, under a memorandum of understanding, or MOU.

Monitoring System Could Save Lubricant, Food Industries Millions Each Year
LSU researchers have invented an automated sensor that could drastically reduce waste for grease and food manufacturers, saving each U.S. industry millions of dollars a year.

LSU Celebrates Six Rainmakers
Six LSU faculty members have been selected as Rainmakers by the LSU Council on Research based on their outstanding scholarship and creative activity within their respective ranks and disciplines. The Rainmaker awards recognize sustained work with high impact, often in alignment with LSU's Scholarship First Agenda to improve lives in Louisiana and across the world.

New Antibiotics May End Chronic Infections, Slash Billions in Health Care Costs
An LSU-led research team is developing a new class of antibiotics capable of bypassing the defenses of drug-resistant bacteria, which otherwise make it difficult to cure chronic infections.

LSU Invests $1.8M in Transformative Research and the Arts
For the third consecutive year, LSU is providing funding to support new research and creative projects through its internal grant program, the LSU Provost’s Fund for Innovation in Research.

LSU Researchers Create Low-Cost Method to Recycle Plastic
LSU researchers have created a new, low-cost way to break down plastic, a potential breakthrough that could save billions of dollars and eliminate billions of tons of plastic pollution.

LSU Names Sean Courtney Associate Vice President for Research Compliance, Integrity and Analytics
Louisiana State University has appointed Sean Courtney to the inaugural position of associate vice president for research compliance, integrity, and analytics.