URA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) academic consortium composed of over 90 premier research universities across the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan headquartered in Washington, D.C. supporting government lab management and operation in the national interest.

URA fosters valuable university research partnerships through membership. URA presents members with research opportunities at national engineering and physics labs, engagement with laboratory leadership and management, and recognition of academic achievements.

URA supports research and development in the physical sciences and engineering of member institutions, partners, and national laboratories. URA supplies data analysis on the research landscape to guide government-funded scientific research and technology.

URA manages a robust portfolio of strategic collaborations and partnerships in support of new and existing programs that enable URA member universities to engage with national laboratories and policymakers. Supported portfolios include initiatives at Fermilab, Sandia National Laboratories, and Pierre Auger Observatory.

Since 1965, URA has supported government lab management to advance the U.S. scientific enterprise and competitiveness. URA equips national labs with key research and policy insights, leadership, and strategic partnerships across academia and other sectors advancing science and technology innovation.

URA recognizes the academic achievements of students and faculty from member institutions for their research relating to Fermilab or Sandia National Laboratories. Includes Visiting Scholars Program, URA Graduate Thesis Award, Tollestrup Award, and URA Early Career Award.