Welcome

Tackling society's Grand Challenges - together

Researchers and students in the community showing their research in action
Bold, purpose-driven discovery

Wayne State’s Grand Challenges initiative unites researchers, students and partners to confront the most pressing issues facing society today — health, artificial intelligence, sustainable environments and smart mobility. Together, these teams turn bold ideas into real-world solutions, developing new therapies that improve lives, advancing ethical and powerful AI tools, designing sustainable urban neighborhoods, and creating technologies that make movement safer and smarter. From the heart of Detroit, they create solutions that shape the future of our city — and the world beyond.

Explore the Grand Challenges

Research facts

$291.7 million

Wayne State reported $291.7 million in research expenditures in FY24

75th

Ranked 75th by NSF among public research universities for R&D expenditures in FY24

$94.4 million

NIH awards rose nearly 11% from FY17 to FY24

432

Wayne State has 432 patents issued (U.S. and foreign) since FY15.

Key research areas spotlight

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Cancer

The Department of Oncology at Wayne State University is a unique, urban-based integrated center of research, patient care and education, dedicated to the prevention, early detection, treatment and eventual eradication of cancer. The department works closely with the Karmanos Cancer Institute to lead the way in cancer research and treatments. The Karmanos Cancer Institute at Wayne State University is one of the leading cancer research institutes in the nation. Karmanos offers patients access to innovative treatments and clinical trials that are not available elsewhere. More than $60 million is invested each year into cancer research, offering patients the best in developing treatment options.

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Cores and facilities spotlight

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Microscopy and Cytometry

The Microscopy, Imaging & Cytometry Resources core aims to enhance the peer-reviewed funded research activities of faculty whose research requires these techniques.

More core facilities