Research and Innovation

A student connecting batteries with his professor.

Research at Western Michigan

In its simplest form, research is the pursuit of knowledge and scholarship that makes life better. Start your pursuit here.
Propose your own research Find funding

Undergraduate and graduate research

At many universities, research is reserved for the few. At Western, we believe everyone interested in research should have the opportunity, whether they are undergraduate or graduate students. In fact, we offer many undergrad research options you won’t find elsewhere.

$59.8M

in research awards

—2024-25

$51.5M

in research expenditures

—2024-25

$126.9M

in submitted proposals

—2024-25
Submit a proposal

Office of Research and Innovation
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5456 USA
(269) 387-8298

Use Cayuse for your research needs

The University has transitioned to a web-based system to administer research called Cayuse Research Suite. This user-friendly interface manages protocol creation, review, submission and files as well as simplifies the human subjects research submission process.
Launch Cayuse
Learn more
The coolest thing about my research is knowing that it is actually being put into practice at NASA. I always am amazed I get to do this every day.
—Margaret Mooney, B.A.'18 aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering Ph.D. candidate (from Shelby Township, Michigan)

Standout research

At Western, our constant pursuit of discovery often results in creating breakthrough research and innovation. We like to highlight and share updates about all the latest and greatest research projects currently taking place at Western.

James Mostek does research and creation of a satellite that will perform space research.

Ready to launch

Students gain hands-on experience with the process behind the research and creation of a satellite that will perform space research.

Western Aerospace Launch Initiative
Student in a lab environment

Presidential Innovation Professors

Learn about the outstanding individuals who are making substantial contributions in teaching and research.
Meet the honorees

News and events

Researchers at Western Michigan University

$3.17 million grant will energize electric vehicle research at WMU

Flowers grow out of a rock formation.

Department of Energy grants WMU $5M to advance carbon capture and storage

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WMU research team awarded National Science Foundation grant for AI readiness through cyber training

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WMU researcher making groundbreaking gains in filtration of toxic chemicals

The 44th Annual Kalamazoo Community Medical and Health Sciences Research Day

April 2
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus
The 44th Annual Kalamazoo Community Medical and Health Sciences Research Day will be held on April 2, 2026, at the W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus in downtown Kalamazoo. This is an opportunity to highlight the breadth of research and scholarly activity accomplished by our scientific community.The theme for Research Day 2026 is:“Translating Discovery into Practice: From Lab to Clinic, From Classroom to Implementation"

Evaluation Survey Clinic: Research, Innovation, and Creative Scholarship Celebration Week

Thursday, April 2, 2026 — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, April 3, 2026 — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday, April 6, 2026 — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
4010 Ellsworth Hall
Many groups on campus use surveys to learn about their impact or identify opportunities to improve services. Does your feedback or evaluation survey need a refresh? Do you need a second opinion on a survey a third-party firm is conducting on your behalf? Do you want feedback from students, faculty, or staff on something you're doing on campus and don't know where to start? Sign up for a 25-minute session with experts from the The Evaluation Center. You’ll receive tailored guidance and practical recommendations to strengthen your questionnaire.
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