Strategic Framework 2026–2030
Built for the moment — advancing the future
Building on our strengths, values and a strategic focus
As one of the world’s leading public research universities, the UW embraces a deep responsibility to serve the people of Washington, the country and the world. Anchored in the Pacific Northwest — a hub of innovation, culture and environmental leadership — our history and future are defined by fearless engagement with the needs, challenges and opportunities of the moment. We honor our legacy by not simply preserving what has been, but by forging what must be. Achieving this requires the University’s constant renewal and work in partnership with others. Together, we will direct our combined strengths in education, research, clinical care and engagement toward the most pressing needs.
Across the nation and in Washington, rapid advances in AI and technology are reshaping how people work and access opportunity. At the same time, civic division is growing, public resources are under strain and institutions that serve the public such as higher education and healthcare are navigating profound change. These forces sit alongside long‑standing economic inequalities and social challenges, such as housing affordability, unequal access to healthcare, gaps in educational opportunity and uneven pathways to economic mobility, all of which continue to shape who benefits from these changes. In this moment of rapid transformation and growing skepticism about the value of higher education, the University has both the responsibility and the opportunity to adapt how we research, teach, learn and serve to advance and sustain our public mission.
Responding to this moment calls on the University of Washington to lead higher education with focus and bold action through a strategy rooted in our strengths and enduring public mission. We move forward with confidence grounded in who we are and inspired by what we will become together.
Shaped by Washington
Rooted in Washington and shaped by its people, communities, industries and values, the UW is a leading global research university that pairs excellence with deep local impact. The University thrives in a state renowned for a strong commitment to societal and environmental stewardship and technological, medical and manufacturing innovation. We unite exceptional strength across the arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, health sciences and professional fields, strengths shaped by and dedicated to the people and challenges of Washington.
Building on these strengths, the UW’s talent and expertise have long been a driving force in Washington’s innovation economy. This includes fields ranging from aerospace and biomedical sciences to software, cloud computing and the creative and cultural sectors. We are positioned to help spark the next generation of world-transforming enterprises and a new era of civic health. Our greatest impacts emerge where Washington’s strengths and needs align with the UW’s broad capabilities. This happens at the intersection of disciplines where ideas blossom, where communities and industries partner with the UW in discovery and where the state’s urgent challenges call for bold and imaginative solutions. This spirit of possibility, shaped by the place we call home, drives a legacy of public impact, relentless inquiry and bold innovation.
Guided by our mission, core values and a strategic focus
The UW is a leading public research university. We are dedicated to expanding access and opportunity for students, advancing knowledge and creativity, improving human health and well-being, supporting democratic society and serving the public good. This mission is advanced through a tri-campus system — Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma — designed to extend the University’s reach, deepen regional engagement and bring distinct strengths together in service to Washington and beyond. The framework focuses on the areas where concerted action across the University is most urgent to strengthen our foundation and maximize public impact over the next five years, without attempting to capture every aspect of the University’s work.
Specifically, this framework is designed to:
- Amplify the full force of the UW’s mission as a tri-campus public research university and academic health system by ensuring education, discovery and partnership are accessible and translate into decisive impact for Washington and the world.
- Set bold goals that accelerate the UW’s leadership amid technological transformation, rapid scientific progress, medical advances, climate change and urgent societal needs.
- Guide strategic choices and investments so resources are focused where excellence, creativity and regional strengths can deliver the greatest good.
This framework elevates overarching pillars that meet the urgency of this moment and channel the UW’s distinctive capabilities and deep spirit of collaboration toward the greatest possible benefit.
Vision: A University that brings people, ideas and technologies together in radically innovative ways to improve the lives of people across Washington state and beyond
The University of Washington will prepare learners for a changing world by combining the breadth and depth of a liberal education with technological fluency. We do so with a clear commitment to ethics and to using emerging technologies in ways that protect privacy, support the workforce and address environmental and equity concerns. We advance discovery and technology through bold, collaborative research, and accelerate innovation that directly improves health, well-being, lived experiences and shared economic growth.
We show up to listen and work side-by-side with partners, co-designing opportunities that reflect community priorities and real needs. We clearly and accessibly communicate our work and take responsibility for showing how our efforts create public value and impact. Through this work, we create knowledge and deliver solutions that help people thrive and bring lasting benefits to Washington and beyond.