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Explore the leading research, publications, honors, and awards from Northeastern University

Since 2006, Northeastern University has dramatically expanded its research enterprise, with particular emphasis on three global imperatives: health, security and sustainability. Working intentionally across disciplines, Northeastern faculty members are focused on solving real problems in the world. NGN Research tells the stories of these important accomplishments.

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A person's hands typing on a laptop keyboard that is open to a ChatGPT screen. — 07/10/25 – BOSTON, MA. – ChatGPT illustration on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

Science & Technology

August 29, 2025

Northeastern researchers tested what it would take to override LLMs’ resistance to providing self-harm and suicide advice. It was shockingly easy.

A busy laboratory setting with people in blue lab coats conducting experiments and working at lab stations. — Octopus Tentacles with Suction Cups Detail Through Glass – Colorful vibrant colorful sea life details.

Navigating a New Political Landscape: Frequently Asked Questions

August 4, 2025

Northeastern evaluates policy changes affecting research, teaching, and its community under the Trump administration.

An image of Black dancers in a studio from the Elma Lewis archive at Northeastern. — Image credit: Photograph by Constantine Manos, courtesy of the National Center of Afro-American Artists records, Northeastern University Archives and Special Collections

Northeastern to digitize archive of Boston legend Elma Lewis’ work, chronicling Black art and joy

University News

August 27, 2025

For decades, Lewis was integral to expanding visibility and access for Black art and artists. In turn, archivists at Northeastern hope to bring her prized collection to even more people.

Honors & Awards

Grants, fellowships, awards and other honors that recognize and support innovative research and world-class teaching.

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Groundbreaking, inspiring research and scholarly work, including journal articles and books, published across disciplines.

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Academic conferences convened by Northeastern faculty, and academic conferences where Northeastern faculty play key roles.

Press

See the Rare ‘Electric Blue’ Lobster Found Off the Coast of Massachusetts

Such was the case with Neptune, an “electric blue” crustacean that now lives at Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center in Nahant, Massachusetts. Neptune is a rare specimen: The odds of a lobster being blue are about one in two million, according to a statement from the university.

A super rare, blue lobster escapes the dinner plate

A new resident is making a splash at Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center—Neptune, the blue lobster. Neptune is a super special shellfish: The odds of catching a lobster with Neptune’s hue are one in 200 million.

Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Are Inconsistent When It Comes to Suicide, Study Reports

Last month, an investigation by researchers at Northeastern University revealed that popular chatbots could be manipulated to give users advice on self-harm and suicide, and that company security measures could be easily bypassed.

Agentic AI has companies excited—and security experts freaked out

Tianshi Li, an assistant professor at Northeastern University who led the earlier study, says agents are designed to complete complex tasks for people, often without direct supervision.

‘Black Moses’ tells a powerful story of political ambition

Gayle, an award-winning journalist and associate professor of journalism at Northeastern University, astutely casts the territory as an arena for clashing visions of American democracy.

Boston Takes On Dirty Stormwater

Now, 12 years after construction was completed, the Mystic River Watershed Association is collaborating with a researcher from Northeastern University to study the wetland’s impact on water quality. Results are still pending, but in other places, constructed wetlands have removed between 45 and 90 percent of the phosphorus from urban stormwater.

How tech pinpoints urban heat islands and makes cooling projects easier

The Common SENSES project is a collaboration of community-based organizations, including the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative and Project Right Inc.; university researchers like me who are affiliated with Northeastern University’s Boston Area Research Initiative; and Boston city officials. It was created to pursue data-driven, community-led solutions for improving the local environment.

Labor unions mobilize to challenge advance of algorithms in workplaces

“We cannot allow AI and technology to be our next NAFTA,” she said on an episode of the podcast “Power At Work” released Tuesday by the Burnes Center for Social Change at Northeastern University.

This sculpture at the UN is covered in more trash each day as nations work toward ending plastic pollution

Standing by the sculpture, Maria Ivanova, an expert in international environmental governance, said it “wakes you up.” Ivanova is the co-director of the Plastics Center at Northeastern University in Boston.

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