The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) has long been committed to advancing research and development (R&D) as a key pillar of its mandate. Over the past 46 years, the university's research initiatives have significantly contributed to the well-being of its stakeholders. As the social, economic, and environmental landscape evolves, the university recognizes the need to continuously refine its research direction to remain relevant and impactful.

Anchored by the Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA), the National Higher Education Research Agenda (NHERA), National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA), and the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the University Research and Development Agenda (URDA) for 2024-2028 serves as a strategic roadmap for advancing research excellence, fostering innovation, and addressing critical societal challenges. The agenda is also firmly anchored on the university's 7-point strategic agenda, ACHIEVE, which underscores MMSU's commitment to creative, relevant, and innovative research programs. In pursuit of this goal, MMSU has institutionalized eight specialized research centers that serve as hubs for interdisciplinary collaboration, generating knowledge and technologies that support sustainable growth and development. These include the Center for Innovative Materials in Emerging Application (CIMEA); Garlic Research Center (GRC); Natural Resources Conservation and Management Center (NRCMC); National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC); Tuklas Lunas Development Center (TLDC) Regional Research and Training Center for Climate Change Studies (RRTCCS), Social Development Research Center (SDRC), and Coastal Engineering Research Center (COASTER).

The URDA 2024-2028 encapsulates the university's research priorities across six thematic areas: (1) Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR); (2) Socioeconomics, Policy Research, and Governance; (3) Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Energy, Engineering, and Emerging Applications; (4) Education and Culture; (5) Health, Wellness, and Bioprospecting; and (6) Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation, and Disaster Risk Reduction. Each research priority aligns with national and regional development goals, ensuring that MMSU's R&D efforts contribute meaningfully to economic growth, environmental sustainability, and societal progress.

Through collaboration with academic, industry, and government partners, the university remains steadfast in its mission to deliver cutting-edge research solutions that empower communities and enhance the nation's competitiveness in an increasingly knowledge- driven world.