Advancing the Frontiers of Knowledge and Creative Activity

At Western Michigan University, we take pride in being discovery-driven across the academic spectrum. Research fuels innovation among faculty, staff, and students, connecting us all in the shared enterprise.  Scholars of every kind create new knowledge, solve critical problems, expand the range of our understanding, meet society's needs, and develop the tools to improve the world.    

Student Research

WMU offers many undergraduate research options you won't find at many other colleges and universities. Rethink Smart: you can be the researcher or creator.

  • A Molecular Moment Dr. Barkman's laboratory gave students the opportunity to experience the scientific process from start to finish …and we also got to cater the projects to suit some of our own interests.

    Nicole Dubs, BS/MS Biological Sciences, R&D Scientist at Vestaron Corp.

    Open Access Publication

Faculty Features

  • Dr. Chanseng He

    2022 Fellow of the American Association of Geographers (AAG), the largest geographic association in the world

    1 of 13 in AAG Announcement

  • photo of female professor with blonde hair

    Dr. Ann Chapleau

    American Occupational Therapy Association Fellow

    2021 AOTA Roster

  • Dr. J. Kevin Corder

    Professor of Political Science and co-author were recognized by the American Political Science Association for "A Century of Votes for Women: American Elections since Suffrage"

    2021 Victoria Schuk Award

  • Dr. Bridget Weller

    Striving to improve mental health outcomes for Black and multiracial adolescents and young adults

    Meet the Researcher

  • Dr. Shameek Bhatacharjee

    Researching computer security with applications to the electrical power grid

    Meet the Researcher

Summer Hours

Through July 30, office hours are: Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm, and Friday 8 am to noon. Contact our staff by phone, email and Webex.

ROs for Proposal Help RFAs for Grants or Contracts

Electronic Platforms

Cayuse is now live for humans subjects research (IRB) and proposal review and routing (Sponsored Projects).

Go to Cayuse Retired Proposal Approval Form (PAF)

Upcoming

Fast Facts for 2020-21

How we can help

The Office of Research and Innovation supports faculty, staff, and students in their research pursuits. How can we help you reach your goals?

  • Get Started

    Learn about internal funding, fellowship programs and training to accelerate your work.

    First Steps

  • Get Externally Funded

    Develop a proposal for a grant or contract, manage compliance, and elevate your work.

    Dive Deeper

  • Share Your Work

    Prepare publications, create exhibitions, and travel to disseminate.

    Succeed

  • Technology Transfer and Commercialization

    Disclose intellectual property, determine technology readiness and meet customer needs

    Go to Market

  • Commonly Requested Information

    Institutional information, rate schedules, and supporting documentation.

    Quick Reference

What's Happening

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 on and off campus.

Where We're Headed

  • Mission

    The Office of Research and Innovation advances the overall discovery enterprise of the University by strategic planning and initiatives, supporting the discovery initiatives of WMU faculty, staff, and students, ensuring compliance, and supporting technology and knowledge dissemination.

  • Vision

    The Office of Research and Innovation at WMU will be a leader and catalyst for excellence in discovery, comprising research, scholarship, and creative activity, involving stakeholders within and external to the University.

Strategic Planning

Goals and Values