Research & Innovation
The Future of Health Care, Powered by Discovery

The University of Michigan is the top public university in research spending in the U.S. We empower the world's brightest minds to make discoveries that advance health for everyone.

Two men looking at computer screen with brain images, one pointing
Make The Unknown Known

The U-M Medical School applies billions of dollars worth of funding to supporting research in the service of all people. Our experts conduct research at the laboratory bench, in the clinic, or with the community, facilitated by the Medical School’s labs and departments, our Office of Research, and partnerships across the university guided by the Office of the Vice President of Research. Students and trainees have the opportunity for mentorship from research faculty who are experts in their fields and can help open doors to a lifetime of discovery.

Researchers at Michigan Medicine collaborate across the spectrum, helping patients benefit from innovation with clinical trials. Our discovery strategies contribute to creating transformative knowledge that advances science and improves health.

Research is the Reason
Nothing is Out of Reach

Groundbreaking discoveries that happen daily at the University of Michigan Medical School are made possible by our unique system of collaboration and innovation. We bring together expert researchers, clinicians and clinician-scientists across disciplines and provide them the tools, training and funding they need to make connections that are crucial to medical breakthroughs.

Explore How Discoveries Shape Healthcare
Discovery Strategies

People
We actively support faculty, learners, and staff in each step of their careers as innovative investigators pursuing cutting-edge research.

Collaboration
The U-M Medical School brings together a community of researchers across specialties to facilitate multidisciplinary scientific excellence.

Bold Science
Our team of investigators pursues pioneering science that drives advances in biomedical research that will impact the future of medicine.

Clinical Research
Our world-class clinical research enterprise fosters groundbreaking discoveries to provide expert patient care and enhance healthcare delivery.

Infrastructure
We have established extensive resources and services to promote a vibrant research environment with a robust culture of discovery.

Great Minds, Greater Discoveries

Our research community includes thousands of dedicated scientists and investigators engaged in tireless work to promote our understanding of the world. In this profile series, we meet some of the great minds at U-M Medical School in pursuit of greater biomedical discoveries to benefit all. U-M Medical School is invested in high risk, high reward science through initiatives such as the Research Scouts program.

clinical team in hallway with masks on and making strong poses around kid
Great Minds, Greater Discoveries Stories
Research Impact: A Michigan boy is first to receive an artificial heart
An Ypsilanti, Mich., boy is the state’s first child to receive a total artificial heart.
Patient receiving histotripsy treatment with health care providers using equipment
Great Minds, Greater Discoveries Stories
Research Impact: Histotripsy
In late 2023, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of sound waves to break down tumors — a technique called histotripsy — in humans for liver treatment, a new therapy developed at the University of Michigan and with support from the National Institutes of Health.
Great Minds, Greater Discoveries Stories
Research Scout Scholar: Longhua Guo, PhD
Meet Dr. Longhua Guo, a Great Minds Research Scouts scholar at the University of Michigan Medical School.
Great Minds, Greater Discoveries Stories
Research Scout Scholar: Joanna Mattis, MD, PhD
Meet Dr. Joanna Mattis, a Great Minds Research Scouts scholar at the University of Michigan Medical School.
Dr. Hastins and a lab member looking at a computer in the lab
Great Minds, Greater Discoveries Stories
Michelle Hastings, PhD: Investing in a simple but powerful way to make medicines
Learn more about the innovative work of research investigators at the University of Michigan Medical School.
Dr. Presner and lab member measuring a solution in the lab
Great Minds, Greater Discoveries Stories
John Prensner, MD, PhD: Research helps beyond one person or one disease
Learn more about the innovative work of research investigators at the University of Michigan Medical School.
Research & Innovation
Research Facilities

Our campus offers an abundance of facilities designed to support research and innovation. Our spaces are dedicated to academic excellence, biomedical research, and clinical healthcare. Collectively, our facilities exemplify Michigan Medicine's mission of advancing healthcare to serve Michigan and the world at large.

See Our Facilities
North Campus Research Complex Research by the Numbers
$2.04 b
U-M is the top public university in research spending in the United States
#9
Ranked medical school in NIH funding (Federal Fiscal Year 2024)
1,885
Active clinical trials