Discovery Science

Strengthening Basic Science Research & Education at the U-M Medical School
Lab member looking into microscope

There are nine fundamental research departments within Michigan Medicine. Each is dedicated to understanding the biology of the human body and biological processes to provide the foundational knowledge needed to advance treatments and cures or the implementation of such knowledge to improve medical care.

Awards & Accolades

Discover the groundbreaking work of our researchers.

Giving

Your gift supports the groundbreaking work of our researchers.

Participating Units
  • Biological Chemistry
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Cell & Developmental Biology
  • Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics
  • Human Genetics
  • Learning Health Sciences
  • Microbiology & Immunology
  • Molecular & Integrative Physiology
  • Pharmacology
    • Scientists engaged in discussion at a research poster

    Upcoming Events

    Attend an event with our departments to connect with fellow researchers and celebrate new discoveries across the U-M Medical School.

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    Featured News & Stories
    Groups of people stand together. These are the 2026 EBS awardees.
    Medical School News

    Celebrating outstanding teaching and research at the 2026 Endowment for Basic Sciences Awards

    The 2026 Endowment for Basic Sciences Awards recognized nine faculty and nine research staff members for their accomplishments in teaching and research.
         2025 Endowment for Basic Sciences Awards
    Medical School News

    Eighteen from UMMS honored with 2025 Endowment for Basic Sciences Awards

    Nine Medical School faculty members and nine research staff members have been recognized for their contributions to teaching and research with Endowment for Basic Sciences (EBS) Awards for 2025. Each of the nine UMMS basic science departments select a winner for each award. This year’s recipients received their awards June 12 during a ceremony in the Medical School.
         Florescent image of a human ovarian follicle
    Health Lab

    Spatial atlas of the human ovary with cell-level resolution will bolster reproductive research

    New map of the ovary provides a deeper understanding of how oocytes interact with the surrounding cells during the normal maturation process, and how the function of the follicles may break down in aging or fertility related diseases.
         A CT scan of healthy lungs
    Health Lab

    Study reveals potential to reverse lung fibrosis using the body’s own healing technique

    A recent U-M study uncovers a pathway utilized during normal wound healing that has the potential to reverse idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
         Illustration of neuron cell
    Health Lab

    Two genes linked to autism implicated in brain cell connectivity

    A new study links two autism-associated genes together for the first time, potentially revealing a mechanism behind brain changes seen in people with autism.