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DOMAIN EXTENSION GUIDE

.research Domain Names

Contested, not yet live

The.research string is a proposed generic top-level domain associated with research-focused naming. Publicly announced information identifies two applicants for the same string, placing it in contention rather than live delegation. ICANN says applied-for strings will be published after administrative checks, and contention can arise when more than one application exists for a string. (icann.org)

.research registrations are not available yet. Search related extensions or get a launch alert.

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Application and status facts

Verified status information is kept separate from illustrative naming ideas.

Extension
.research
Root-zone delegation status
No root-zone delegation confirmed in recorded public sources.
Announced applicant or applicants
Link Freedom Group, Suffix Inc.ICANN Opens Application Window for New Generic Top-Level Domains - ICANN lfg.link - lfg.link
Number of publicly announced claims
2
Contested
Yes
Application round/programme
ICANN application programme information recorded.ICANN 2026 Round Closes with More Than 1,600 New gTLD Applications - ICANN
Registry operator
Not verified
Registration availability
Public registration is not confirmed by this guide.
Last fact checked
2026-08-25

A public application, applicant identity, approval, registry operation, root-zone delegation and live registration availability are separate facts.

Illustrative uses

What could a .research domain be used for?

If.research is eventually delegated, it would suit organisations and initiatives that want a clear link to evidence, inquiry and specialist knowledge.

Academic research hubsUseful for universities, institutes and project portals presenting studies, findings and publications.
Scientific collaboration spacesFits cross-institutional initiatives sharing datasets, methods and working papers.
Research consultancy brandingCould support firms that advise on insight gathering, analysis and evidence-led strategy.
Innovation and R&D programmesWell suited to corporate labs, prototypes and experimentation-focused pages.
Policy and public-interest evidenceCan frame briefings, reports and consultation responses around rigorous inquiry.
Open data and methods repositoriesMatches libraries of datasets, documentation and reproducible workflows.
Field studies and survey projectsWorks for programmes that publish methods, timelines and outputs from live research.
Subject-specific knowledge communitiesUseful for communities built around evidence sharing, specialisms and peer learning.

Domain name ideas

Example names only. Illustrative examples only. Availability has not been checked.

northstar.researchatlas.researchmethod.researchsignal.researchfocus.researchlabnotes.research

Possible audiences

Who is .research for?

  • Universities and research centres
  • Independent analysts
  • R&D teams
  • Policy organisations
  • Data and insight firms
  • Scientific publishers and journals

Benefits and considerations

Benefits

  • Clear subject signalling
  • Strong thematic fit
  • Flexible across sectors

Considerations

  • Not currently delegated
  • Contention risk
  • Naming should stay precise

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Relevant DomainUI marketplace listings

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Frequently asked questions

Is.research live yet?

Publicly announced information places.research in a prelaunch, contested state rather than a live delegated extension.

Who is associated with the.research application?

Publicly announced information identifies Link Freedom Group and Suffix Inc. as public claimants for the string.

What kind of organisations would use.research?

It would suit universities, research institutes, labs, consultants, publishers and evidence-led projects.

Why is.research described as contested?

Because more than one public claimant is associated with the same string, so there is contention rather than a single uncontested path.

Can I register a.research domain now?

Not on the basis of currently verified public evidence; it has not been shown here as delegated or available for registration.

Sources and review information