Research leading to new knowledge and the transfer of this new knowledge through teaching and service are two of the major responsibilities of the University of Kentucky.

The University of Kentucky Research Foundation (UKRF), a not-for-profit Kentucky corporation,  was established in 1945 to receive, invest, and expend funds to promote and implement scientific, educational, and developmental activities at UK. UKRF serves as the university's agent in the receipt of all external grants and contracts, intellectual property income and other designated income; oversees the protection, development, and commercialization of intellectual properties; and manages special cooperative agreements.