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.

Pride points

$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

Office of Research and Innovation

The Office of Research and Innovation accelerates discovery enterprise at Western Michigan University. We support faculty, staff and students in their research pursuits.
Develop a Proposal
Post-Award Management
Student working in a lab.

Student resources

We provide undergraduate and graduate students with mentored research and creative activity experiences.
Lab environment

Conduct compliant research

We ensure that all research done under the aegis of Western Michigan University adheres to federal, state, local and University regulations.

Office of Research and Innovation Annual Report

The fiscal year 2024-25 ORI Annual Report is available now.

Find forms you need

Find the forms for submitting external funding proposals, developing contracts and project work agreements, and meeting federal and University compliance regulations.
Looking at data in a lab environment.

Common proposal data

Find commonly requested proposal data (i.e., DUNS, EIN).

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

Student quote

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

Contact the Office of Research and Innovation

The Office of Research and Innovation is ready to serve faculty, staff and students.

Contact the Office of Research and Innovation
Review ORI organization chart