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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 nearly any other public university — changing lives and boosting the nation’s global competitiveness.

UW research makes a difference

Research Makes America Healthier

Researchers looking into a petri dish in a lab

Federally supported UW research is helping people live healthier lives — from new approaches to treating addiction and helping stroke survivors recover to vaccines designed to protect against future disease outbreaks.

UW Research Saves Lives

Research Makes America Safer

Fire researcher assists with a control burn in Washington state

UW research is protecting the water we drink, helping communities prepare for wildfires and landslides, and strengthening the infrastructure millions of people rely on every day.

Preventing Risks Through Research

Research Makes America More Prosperous

A nurse helping a patient with their treatment

From finding new uses for plastics and preparing students for high-demand careers to rethinking how food is stored and shipped, UW research is helping build a stronger economy, with federal investment making that work possible.

Research that Builds Opportunities

Get alerts about threats to this important work

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

Visit UW Impact to sign up

Latest stories

A new path for brain recovery after stroke

UW medicine surgeons implant a device to help a stroke victim recover

HEALTHIER
With federal support, UW researchers are testing an implanted device that stimulates the brain during stroke rehabilitation, with the goal of helping survivors regain more movement.

See how the implant works

Safeguarding drinking water for millions

A closeup of a person filling a water glass from a kitchen faucet

SAFER
Federal protections that keep national forests roadless are being reconsidered, and UW research shows what could be at stake: clean drinking water for 25 million Americans.

See what's protecting our water

Rethinking how food is stored and shipped

MORE PROSPEROUS
UW researchers are developing technology that keeps food fresh without constant refrigeration. The technology could reduce waste, lower shipping costs, and open new possibilities for how food is made and distributed.

Explore the technology

Show your support for UW and our research

collage of UW students, staff, and faculty participating in research across campus settings.

Every visible show of support matters. Download Research Makes America graphics, email signature badges and virtual backgrounds to show your support for the University of Washington research that improves lives, strengthens communities and drives discovery every day.

Download resources here

UW research has far-reaching impacts

The Faculty Field Tour bus driving through Grand Coulee Washington

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

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Research at the UW

Discover the latest breakthroughs and resources from the University of Washington’s research community. Explore news, initiatives, and opportunities that showcase UW’s impact across science, technology, health, and society. Visit the site to stay informed and connect with research that shapes the future.

Explore UW Research

Scale of UW research

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

Vital investments are on the line

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

Sign up for alerts from UW Impact