Research Foundation for SUNY

The Research Foundation for The State University of New York (RF) is the largest comprehensive university-connected research foundation in the United States. Established in 1951, RF serves SUNY by providing essential administrative services that allow faculty to focus on educating students and conducting transformative research.

This research spans a wide array of disciplines, including medicine, engineering, physical sciences, energy, computer science, and social sciences.

As a private, non-profit educational corporation exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3), RF collaborates closely with SUNY's academic and business leadership. It facilitates research and discovery by administering sponsored projects and delivering intellectual property and technology transfer services.

These services fuel innovation and help move ideas and inventions to the marketplace.

RF's mission is to provide talent, services, and technology that empower SUNY to research, innovate, and transfer discoveries that transform the world’s knowledge economy. Its vision is to make SUNY the best place for faculty, students, and staff to research, innovate, and solve the world’s most pressing problems.

Operations and Services

RF operates across 30 state-operated campuses in New York State. It offers a central infrastructure of people, technology, and processes that enable faculty to write and submit grant proposals, manage funding, establish contracts, and protect and commercialize intellectual property.

RF also promotes transparency and accountability throughout these processes.

Through comprehensive services, RF advances research and innovation within SUNY while contributing significantly to the economic and social development of New York State and beyond.

Location

• Albany, NY, USA: RF’s central office is located here, coordinating efforts and ensuring SUNY researchers have the support and resources necessary to advance their work.

This centralized approach allows RF to build strategic partnerships with government, business, industry, and other educational institutions. These partnerships facilitate the acquisition and management of grants and contracts from external sponsors.