At the University of Washington, safety starts with discovery.
Every day, UW researchers are making America safer — in hospitals, labs, forests, classrooms and beyond. With federal support, they’re tackling wildfires, earthquakes, traffic hazards and other urgent challenges. These breakthroughs don’t happen without federal investment. UW is one of the nation’s top public universities for federally funded research, and that support turns ideas into lifesaving solutions.
But this progress is vulnerable. Without sustained federal funding, safety innovations could stall — leaving communities with fewer tools, fewer protections and fewer solutions for the risks ahead.
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.
University of Washington research in action
Keeping our drinking water clean
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.
Mapping America’s landslide risk
Landslides cause billions of dollars in damage each year. Federally funded UW research is now showing where 6.5 million Americans are most exposed, helping communities prepare and target resources where they’re needed most.
What wildfire researchers want you to know
UW experts spend their careers studying wildfire behavior and smoke. They’re putting that research into practice with advice for tracking fires, preparing homes, navigating poor air quality and knowing when it’s time to leave.
Watching over the world’s first floating light rail crossing
More than 150,000 people cross the I-90 bridge each day. Federally supported UW research is giving crews a real-time view of how the floating structure moves and responds, helping crews spot problems earlier and maintain a critical transportation link more safely.
Research saves lives — but only if we keep it going
The safety of everyday Americans depends on the kind of research happening right now at the University of Washington. From early warning systems to inclusive education models, these projects are shaping a safer future for all of us. But they can’t continue without strong, sustained federal support.
When funding is uncertain, so is our ability to respond to disasters, protect underserved communities and innovate for the public good. That’s why it’s critical to advocate for research funding. Take action now — sign up for alerts from UW Impact.
Research Makes America
These stories are part of Research Makes America — a University of Washington series showcasing the life-changing power of federally funded research. Learn more about why this research matters — and how you can help protect it.
