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Research Makes America

UW research makes America healthier, safer and more prosperous. But those gains are now at risk.

Research matters. It powers the medical treatments that keep our families healthy, the innovations that create high-paying jobs, the technologies that help our farmers grow food more efficiently, and the tools our military and first responders rely on to protect and serve. And working alongside researchers, students gain valuable real-world experience for their future careers.

At the University of Washington, we’re proud to conduct more federally sponsored research on behalf of the American people than any other public university — changing lives and boosting the nation’s global competitiveness.

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The United States is stronger when we invest in the future. But now, decades of investments are at risk.

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UW research makes a difference

Research Makes America Healthier

Woman looking into a microscope in a lab

At the University of Washington, federally funded cancer research is driving breakthroughs in early detection and treatment — from precision therapies for children to new tools that improve outcomes and recovery.

Learn How UW Is Fighting Cancer

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s sooner

An elderly woman being embraced by a younger women

UW researchers are developing a blood test to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Thanks to federal grant support, they’re working to bring this test to patients — offering hope for earlier treatment.

UW makes strides in early disease detection

A new way to fight cancer

A nurse helping a patient with their treatment

Most cancer treatments also harm our body’s healthy cells, and the side effects can be tough to live with. UW scientists are working on a new treatment that not only kills cancer cells but also helps the body heal.

Explore the new treatment approach

Protecting us from wildfires

Engineers looking at fire damaged trees in a forest

Wildfires are becoming more common and more dangerous. UW engineers are creating new tools to help firefighters stay safe and protect our communities.

See how UW engineers are tackling this issue

From Navy service to neuroscience research

A portrait of Kristin Bennett in her lab

After serving as a nuclear chemist in the U.S. Navy, Kristin Bennett faced serious health challenges, including mini-strokes and autoimmune disorders. Now, as a UW undergraduate, she brings her firsthand experience with traumatic brain injuries into the lab, working to uncover mysteries about the brain and advance treatments for others.

Read Kristin's Story

Early earthquake warnings

A person using their cellphone in nature

Developed at the UW, Washington’s ShakeAlert system warns people seconds before an earthquake hits, giving precious time to prepare or take cover.

See how the ShakeAlert system works

Fighting deadly snakebites

A snake coiled on a rock ready to strike

Snakebites kill over 100,000 people every year. UW researchers are using artificial intelligence to create a new kind of anti-venom that could save lives — especially in places where help is hard to find.

Explore how snakebite research could save lives

Vital investments are on the line

Years of investment in our future are under threat. Let’s protect it–together.

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UW research has wide-reaching impacts

Protecting people who feed America

Farmworkers are essential to putting food on our tables — but their jobs can be dangerous. In Washington, the nation’s #1 apple-producing state, UW researchers are working to prevent common injuries, making agricultural work safer for the people who keep America fed.

See how we're making safer workplaces in the agriculture industry

Charging up electric vehicles

UW engineers are building better batteries and smarter technology to make electric vehicles cleaner, safer and more affordable. Working with American companies like Ford and General Motors, they’re helping the U.S. stay competitive in clean energy and create high-paying jobs.

Explore the UW's Innovations in Electric Vehicle Technology

UW research in every corner of Washington

Our research improves lives in local communities here in Washington. Explore stories of how UW innovations are enhancing health, safety and quality of life in communities across the state.

See how research works for Washington

1,096
active clinical trials of treatments and cures
129
active UW spinoff
companies
10,641
jobs supported and sustained statewide by UW research
$2.6B
generated in the Washington economy from UW research