The Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks conducts research into space physics and aeronomy; atmospheric sciences; snow, ice, and permafrost; seismology; volcanology; and tectonics and sedimentation. It was founded in 1946 by the United States Congress. The Institute includes several important facilities:

• Alaska Earthquake Information Center
• Alaska Satellite Facility
• Alaska Volcano Observatory
• Poker Flat Research Range, a rocket range