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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.

  • Video of Undergraduate Research 2018

Pride points

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.

Schedule a workshop

  • 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.

  • Sign up for alerts

    Receive monthly funding opportunities and special event information.

  • 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

News and events

WMU Graduate and Professional School Fair 2023

Date: Oct. 4
Time: 3:00pm

The Graduate and Professional School Fair will be held in-person from 3 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, on the main campus of Western Michigan University. Speak with representatives from nearly 80 graduate and professional schools from WMU and throughout the U.S. about your options for advanced studies. This free event is open to WMU and all other college students, WMU staff and faculty, and community members. 

Life and Physical Science Job Fair

Date: Nov. 9
Time: 11:00am
Location: Wood Hall

This specialty job fair is for employers who seek to hire students for internships or full-time opportunities in the Biomedical, Environmental, Laboratory, Pharmaceutical, Research and Sustainable Brewing industries.

Contact the Office of Research and Innovation

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