Research is an integral part of the NTC's activities. The NTC has expanded its research program and has provided grants for research by faculty and staff principal investigators who have particular interest in solving urban transportation problems and in educating student researchers. Funding for research projects has also come from matching partners. Annually, the NTC announces research grant opportunities to faculty, staff and matching partners.Projects are selected through peer review and research is disseminated through final technical reports, published in peer-reviewed journals and is presented during professional meetings. The NTC continues to encourage participation in ongoing research activities that address the need for enhancing transportation systems and human and economic development in urban areas around the country.

NTC Research Projects are categorized throughout the grant year in three categories—New, Ongoing and Completed. The NTC also houses a complete listing of archived research projects and their descriptions for additional research purposes. Other project initiatives, such as GIS mapping applications, help show the technological advancement of the Center.