URI is best known for its environmental innovation, which saw four research patents issued to the school in 2021. This included the MITRE BlueTech Lab, which helps advance undersea communication, and the "Plastics: Land to Sea" program that's working to solve the plastic pollution crisis. In total, URI received over $78 million in federal funding and $122 million in competitive grants for its research efforts. Several oceanic and environmental programs are available online, including the Natural Resources and the Environment Graduate Certificate.