Urology Research

The U-M Medical School Department of Urology is ranked #2 in the nation for NIH research funding, underscoring our leadership and impact in advancing urologic science. Building on a legacy of transformative discoveries, our faculty drive innovations that shape clinical practice, improve patient outcomes, and define the future of urologic care.

Our research spans the full continuum of science—from laboratory breakthroughs to health services research and implementation science—creating a uniquely comprehensive program. More than 10 full-time laboratory faculty focus exclusively on basic and translational discovery, while dozens of clinical investigators integrate research into care delivery, ensuring that new knowledge is rapidly applied to improve patients’ lives.

Diverse Areas of Research Expertise

• Cancer Biology & Oncology: Advancing understanding of prostate cancer progression, metastasis, gene expression, and biomarker discovery (Drs. Morgan, Palapattu, Keller, Salami).
• Neuromodulation & Neuro-urology: Developing novel therapies for detrusor underactivity, multiple sclerosis, and neurogenic bladder (Drs. Gupta, Ippolito, Stoffel).
• Health Services & Quality Improvement: Driving national change through surgical quality collaboratives, telemedicine innovation, cost-effectiveness analyses, and efforts to reduce disparities in oncology care (Drs. Borza, Clemens, Dauw, Dupree, Ellimoottil, Ghani, Herrel, Hollenbeck, Shahinian, Stensland).
• Clinical Trials: Leading trials in genitourinary oncology, including bladder cancer therapies, prostate cancer active surveillance, and treatment strategies that redefine standards of care (Drs. Kaffenberger, Montgomery, Singhal).
• Mechanistic & Translational Science: Pioneering tissue engineering, thermal and imaging technologies, single-cell transcriptomics, and advanced prosthetics for male SUI and erectile dysfunction (Drs. Malaeb, Pitchiaya, Roberts).
• Metabolic & Systemic Contributors: Investigating how diabetes, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction drive urologic complications (Dr. Sarma).
• Artificial Intelligence & Innovation: Harnessing AI to optimize cancer surveillance and expand access to clinical trials (Drs. Singhal, Stensland).

This exceptional breadth positions Michigan Urology as one of the nation’s most innovative, collaborative, and impactful research programs—driving discoveries from bench to bedside and beyond.