About | CHCR

The Center for Health Communications Research (CHCR) is a university-based group that designs and builds web and mobile apps for research, clinical care, and innovation.

We partner with researchers, clinicians, and teams to develop custom applications and digital platforms that support studies, clinical workflows, and new initiatives. Our work spans a range of projects, from research interventions and data collection platforms to clinical tools and early-stage applications.

CHCR operates as a health communications shared resource within Michigan Medicine and is supported by the Rogel Cancer Center. In this role, we contribute to cancer-focused research and innovation while also collaborating on a broader range of projects across the university and with partner institutions.

Because we are embedded within the University of Michigan and Michigan Medicine, we work within institutional systems, governance, and processes. This includes experience with data governance, privacy, security, and Information Assurance (IA) requirements.

CHCR is also a HITS Trusted Service Provider within Michigan Medicine, meaning we are familiar with IA and HITS governance requirements and can help projects move through approval processes efficiently and with fewer delays.

Our team includes software engineers, UX designers, project managers, and health researchers who collaborate closely with project teams from early concept through implementation.

We support projects across the full lifecycle, including:

• Concept development and study design
• User experience and interface design
• Application development and implementation
• Launch, maintenance, and ongoing support

We collaborate with researchers, clinicians, departments, and teams at the University of Michigan, as well as partner institutions including Stanford, Emory, Harvard, and NYU.

Projects are typically supported through academic, institutional, grant, or gift funding.

CHCR is led by a multidisciplinary group of directors with expertise in research, clinical care, and digital innovation.