Society is constantly facing changes; this leads organizations and the population to recognize the new social scenarios in order to adapt their actions. In this context, the link between the university and its environment is essential, as it allows the interrelation of the problems that arise in the different interest groups with one of the core functions of universities: research. This article systematizes the interrelation between research and university social responsibility (USR). The research is of a theoretical-descriptive type, and is based on a review of specialized sources that supports the analysis and conceptual development. It is concluded that it is necessary to manage research within the framework of the USR approach in the generation of knowledge, results, dissemination and application of knowledge.