Cutting-edge interdisciplinary research
Advancing the frontiers of computation for society’s big problems.
At the Oden Institute, we conduct interdisciplinary computing research that is advancing scientific discovery, driving engineering innovation and transforming the future of individualized medicine. Oden Institute research brings together foundational mathematical, statistical and computational elements with applications that cut across science, engineering, geosciences and medicine. We take pride in the depth and rigor of our research foundations in computation, as well as the broad scope of our research applications.
Cross-
Cutting
Research Areas
Computational science is underpinned by mathematical models and simulations that help us understand physical and natural systems. This approach is used across a broad range of fields — fostering new and transformative, cross-cutting research. Here are some current areas of transformation.
Strategic Priority Areas
Strategic priority areas are areas of opportunity where we are investing additional resources to grow and expand the Oden Institute's capabilities. In these areas we are hiring multiple new faculty members, launching new research efforts and Oden Institute centers, launching new educational programs, and establishing new strategic partnerships.
Artificial Intelligence
for Science
The Oden Institute is pushing the boundaries on both the theoretical and methodological foundations of AI for Science and its impact across multiple domains of science, engineering and medicine. We are home to multiple national-scale AI for Science efforts, including the NSF-Simons AI Institute for Cosmic Origins, the Department of Energy Mathematical Multifaceted Integrated Capability Center on Digital Twins, and four Genesis Mission projects. We have strategically expanded our educational offerings and faculty strength in AI for Science. We have hired multiple new faculty in AI for Science foundations, including scientific machine learning, as well as multiple new faculty at the forefront of AI's revolution in the physical and life sciences and engineering.
Computational
Medicine
Computing is revolutionizing medicine and the Oden Institute is at the forefront of creating the new computational methods and tools that power this revolution, together with the translational and clinical partnerships that will translate research innovation into real-world impact on patients and health care systems worldwide. Our efforts include the Joint Center for Computational Oncology, a partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center that is shaping the future of cancer care, the Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, the Center for Computational Medicine, which will reach beyond Austin as a global resource for the creation of medical digital twins, and the AIxPhysics for Drug Discovery Center.
High Performance
Computing
Home to the pioneering research that won the 2025 Gordon Bell Prize, leadership in HPC is interwoven throughout the Oden Institute's research and educational programs. We have a close and synergistic partnership with the Texas Advanced Computing Center, the nation's leading academic supercomputer center. Oden Institute faculty member Omar Ghattas serves as Chief Scientist for TACC's Frontera and Horizon Leadership Class Computing Facility. Computing is one of the three pillars of our Computational Science, Engineering and Mathematics PhD program, and we have a culture of pushing the boundaries in computing at scale, evident in our HPC leadership in areas such as quantum materials, geophysics, multiscale modeling, and digital twins.
Centers and Groups
There are 25 research centers and groups within the Institute. Our centers and groups bring together faculty, research staff, students and external collaborators to advance the foundations and practice of computational science, engineering and mathematics.
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Programs and Awards
The Oden Institute offers opportunities for postdoctoral fellows and visiting faculty to work with our interdisciplinary community, cultivating research excellence.
View programs and awardsPartnerships
The Oden Institute engages in a variety of collaborations with worldwide partners ranging from academic institutions, government and national laboratories and industrial partners. Elements of these partnerships may include the development of joint research projects, the exchange of visiting scholars, as well as jointly hosted meetings, research seminars, workshops, and symposia.
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