# Top 26 research institutes in Alabama
Tamtam tracks 28 research institutes headquartered in Alabama. This list ranks the 26 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by University of California, San Francisco, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and University of Alabama at Birmingham. Their median headcount is 1,964. Half of them were founded in 1939 or later. The most common headquarters are Auburn (3), Birmingham (3) and Mobile (2).
The research institutes in Alabama are predominantly higher education institutions, with a strong focus on academic excellence, research, and community engagement. The largest among them are the University of California, San Francisco, which pursues integrated excellence through collaboration, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a leading academic medical center excelling in patient care and research. Other significant institutions include the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which educates students and conducts research, and The University of Alabama, a public university focused on teaching and service.
A notable pattern is the concentration of large universities, many of which were founded in the 19th century. Beyond higher education, there are specialized organizations such as the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) in Muscle Shoals, dedicated to sustainable soil solutions, and GMF, an organization strengthening transatlantic cooperation.
๐บ๐ธ Alabama ยท 26 companies ยท Updated Nov 11, 2026
| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [University of California, San Francisco](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-california-san-francisco) (ucsf.edu)
Driven by converging research, education, and patient care for breakthroughs. Pursues integrated excellence through collaboration among professional and graduate schools, medical center, and research programs. | Higher Education | ๐บ๐ธ San Francisco | 21,955 | 1873 |
| 2 | [Vanderbilt University Medical Center](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vanderbilt-university-medical-center) (vanderbilthealth.com)
Leading academic medical center, excels in patient care, research, and education, solving complex medical problems through innovation and collaboration. Specialized care for various conditions, including transplants and pediatric cancer. | Hospitals and Health Care | ๐บ๐ธ Nashville | 21,888 | 1875 |
| 3 | [University of Alabama at Birmingham](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-alabama-at-birmingham) (uab.edu)
Educates students, conducts research, provides patient care, fosters innovation, and engages with the community, significantly impacting the state's economy. | Higher Education | ๐บ๐ธ Birmingham | 16,963 | 1969 |
| 4 | [The University of Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-university-of-alabama) (ua.edu)
Public university focused on teaching, research, and service, providing a creative environment for students and scholars to excel. | Higher Education | ๐บ๐ธ Tuscaloosa | 13,215 | 1831 |
| 5 | [Auburn University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/auburn-university) (auburn.edu)
A comprehensive research institution offering diverse programs at undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels, known for academic excellence and economic impact on Alabama | Higher Education | ๐บ๐ธ Auburn | 11,627 | 1856 |
| 6 | [University of California, Riverside](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-california-riverside) (ucr.edu)
Educates students, conducts research, and promotes social mobility. It is recognized for educational access and research excellence, with a focus on serving diverse communities. | Higher Education | ๐บ๐ธ Riverside | 10,851 | 1907 |
| 7 | [San Diego State University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/san-diego-state-university) (sdsu.edu)
Provides transformative experiences, research, international opportunities, sustainability initiatives, and diverse student life, fostering leadership and community engagement for over 36,000 students. | Higher Education | ๐บ๐ธ San Diego | 9,806 | |
| 8 | [Boise State University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/boise-state-university) (boisestate.edu)
Focused on world change through unique 'Blue Turf Thinking' concept, fostering innovation and impact, not by chance. | Higher Education | ๐บ๐ธ Boise | 7,326 | 1932 |
| 9 | [Rice University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/rice-university) (rice.edu)
Private university offering diverse academic studies in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, architecture, music, and business management with close faculty relationships | Higher Education | ๐บ๐ธ Houston | 7,143 | 1912 |
| 10 | [Albany Medical Center](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/albany-medical-center) (albanymed.org)
Provides high-level patient care, educates medical professionals, and conducts biomedical research, operating a large regional health system with a medical college and physician practice. | Hospitals and Health Care | ๐บ๐ธ Albany | 6,190 | |
| 11 | [University of South Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-south-alabama-mobile) (southalabama.edu)
A global research and teaching university offering quality education in various fields, small class sizes, hands-on research opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities, and Division I athletic teams | Higher Education | ๐บ๐ธ Mobile | 3,384 | 1963 |
| 12 | [NASA Ames Research Center](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nasa-ames-research-center) (nasa.gov)
A leading research center in Silicon Valley conducting cutting-edge research in aeronautics, exploration technology, and science for over 75 years | Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing | ๐บ๐ธ Moffett Field | 2,679 | 1939 |
| 13 | [Tuskegee University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tuskegee-university) (tuskegee.edu)
A prestigious university in Alabama with a rich history, offering various undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in humanities, STEM, and professional disciplines | Higher Education | ๐บ๐ธ Tuskegee | 1,964 | 1881 |
| 14 | [International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/international-fertilizer-development-center-ifdc) (ifdc.org)
An independent non-profit organization dedicated to researching, developing market systems, and forming partnerships to promote sustainable soil solutions for food security worldwide | International Trade and Development | ๐บ๐ธ Muscle Shoals | 1,084 | 1974 |
| 15 | [UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/uab-marnix-e-heersink-school-of-medicine) (uab.edu)
Education of physicians and scientists in medicine and biomedical research at a leading university focused on health sciences. | Higher Education | ๐บ๐ธ Birmingham | 693 | |
| 16 | [GMF](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/gmf) (gmfus.org)
An organization that strengthens transatlantic cooperation, supports individuals and institutions, convenes leaders, provides research, and fosters commitment to the transatlantic relationship | Non-profit Organizations | ๐บ๐ธ | 654 | |
| 17 | [Desert Research Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/desert-research-institute) (dri.edu)
World leader in basic and applied interdisciplinary scientific research. Develops scientific knowledge and innovative technologies through external grants and contracts. | Environmental Services | ๐บ๐ธ Reno | 571 | 1959 |
| 18 | [University of South Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-south-alabama) (southalabama.edu)
A comprehensive university offering quality education in various fields, with a focus on student success, research opportunities, athletic programs, and healthcare services | Higher Education | ๐บ๐ธ Mobile | 543 | 1963 |
| 19 | [Auburn University, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/auburn-university-samuel-ginn-college-of-engineering) (eng.auburn.edu)
Leading engineering college providing top programs and degrees in Alabama, producing successful graduates including CEOs and astronauts, with flexible online options available | Higher Education | ๐บ๐ธ Auburn | 519 | 1872 |
| 20 | [Southern Research](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/southern-research) (southernresearch.org)
Nonprofit research organization advancing drug discovery, development, and environmental health, known for developing FDA-approved cancer drugs and a COVID-19 vaccine | Research Services | ๐บ๐ธ Birmingham | 472 | 1941 |
| 21 | [Mercatus Center at George Mason University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mercatus-center-at-george-mason-university) (mercatus.org)
Advances knowledge on markets, training students, and applying economics to solve societal problems for individual freedom and prosperity. | Research Services | ๐บ๐ธ Arlington | 425 | 1980 |
| 22 | [Alabama Cooperative Extension System](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/alabama-cooperative-extension-system) (aces.edu)
Agricultural outreach organization partnering with universities to bring practical solutions for homes, farms, people, and communities in Alabama | Higher Education | ๐บ๐ธ Auburn University | 407 | 1914 |
| 23 | [Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/auburn-university-college-of-veterinary-medicine) (vetmed.auburn.edu)
A leading institution in veterinary and biomedical education, research, and clinical care focused on advancing One Health for a better future | Higher Education | ๐บ๐ธ Auburn | 369 | 1892 |
| 24 | [Buck Institute for Research on Aging](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/buck-institute-for-research-on-aging) (buckinstitute.org)
Researching age-related diseases to extend healthy human lifespan, preventing conditions like Alzheimer's, cancer, and heart disease for future generations. | Research Services | ๐บ๐ธ Novato | 361 | 1999 |
| 25 | [SETI Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/seti-institute) (seti.org)
Researches origins and prevalence of life and intelligence in the universe, sharing knowledge globally. Promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. | Research Services | ๐บ๐ธ Mountain View | 344 | 1984 |
| 26 | [Air University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/air-university) (airuniversity.af.edu)
Air University shapes future military leaders, conducts professional military education, and research to enhance national security and develop competent warfighters effectively | Higher Education | ๐บ๐ธ Montgomery | 217 | 1947 |
## How this list is built
Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 11, 2026.
## More company lists in Alabama
- [The largest companies in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-alabama) (2,140)
- [Multinational companies in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-alabama) (416)
- [Manufacturers in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-alabama) (221)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-alabama) (214)
- [Financial services firms in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-alabama) (209)
- [Retail chains in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-alabama) (192)
- [Critical infrastructure operators in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-alabama) (186)
- [Education providers in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/education-companies-alabama) (173)
- [Hardware manufacturers in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hardware-companies-alabama) (156)
- [Companies with a mobile app in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-alabama) (156)
- [SaaS companies in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/saas-companies-alabama) (147)
- [Professional services firms in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-alabama) (135)
- [Financial Services companies in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-companies-alabama) (131)
- [Software Development companies in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/software-development-companies-alabama) (130)
- [Healthcare providers in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/healthcare-providers-alabama) (124)
- [Public sector organisations in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/public-sector-organisations-alabama) (119)
- [AI companies in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/ai-companies-alabama) (111)
- [Hospitals and Health Care companies in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitals-and-health-care-companies-alabama) (109)
- [Aerospace and defence companies in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/aerospace-and-defense-companies-alabama) (104)
- [Subscription businesses in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/subscription-businesses-alabama) (104)
- [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-alabama) (98)
- [IT services companies in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-companies-alabama) (90)
- [Higher Education companies in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/higher-education-companies-alabama) (89)
- [Corporate groups and holding companies in Alabama](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-alabama) (89)
## The same list elsewhere in United States
- [Research institutes in the United States](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-united-states) (983)
- [Research institutes in California](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-california) (102)
- [Research institutes in New York State](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-new-york-state) (87)
- [Research institutes in Massachusetts](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-massachusetts) (65)
- [Research institutes in Texas](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-texas) (57)
- [Research institutes in Maryland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-maryland) (52)
- [Research institutes in Pennsylvania](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-pennsylvania) (37)
- [Research institutes in Florida](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-florida) (35)
- [Research institutes in Virginia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-virginia) (35)
- [Research institutes in Illinois](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-illinois) (32)
- [Research institutes in Ohio](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-ohio) (32)
- [Research institutes in Washington State](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-washington-state) (25)
- [Research institutes in North Carolina](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-north-carolina) (24)
- [Research institutes in New York](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-new-york) (43)
- [Research institutes in Washington](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-washington) (38)
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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-alabama