University faculty members work in over 50 university laboratories and institutes, including the world-renowned Texas Center for Superconductivity. These centers link groundbreaking university research with government and private research and development. These partnerships have earned the university a top-ten national ranking by Science Watch for its "quality of research and how often that research is used to further other scientific discoveries."

The university has the second largest graduate and professional enrollment in the state: a testament to the service provided to the Houston business community. Education and research benefit corporations, government, and individuals in the Houston and Gulf Coast area, as well as receive international attention and acclaim.

The College of Engineering is an important member of these partnerships. With ongoing programs with industry, government, the Texas Medical Center, NASA, and others, the College is an integral part of Houston's engineering-based economy. The Texas Center for Environmental Studies (TCES) is among the university-community partners. This interdisciplinary endeavor seeks to resolve the environmental problems confronting our local and global society by combining the expertise of faculty in engineering, law, business, and natural, physical, and social sciences. The college's