| CARVIEW |
On Sept. 10, 2025, Wayne State launched the Grand Challenges initiative. Watch here.
Welcome
Tackling society's Grand Challenges - together
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.
Research facts
Wayne State reported $291.7 million in research expenditures in FY24
Ranked 78th by NSF among public research universities for R&D expenditures in FY23
NIH awards rose nearly 11% from FY17 to FY24
Wayne State has 432 patents issued (U.S. and foreign) since FY15.
Key research areas spotlight
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.
News
-
Wayne State researcher honored by National Academy of Inventors
-
Wayne State University, University of Kansas and University of Arizona launch landmark collaborative approach to prepare leaders in special education backed by federal funding
-
Collaboration between Wayne State and Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf physicists results in discovery of exotic roto-crystals breaking into individual fragments then reassemble themselves
-
NSF CAREER awards to Wayne State University push forward research into AI reliability and next-generation batteries
Cores and facilities spotlight
Wayne State is home to the Michigan Neonatal Biobank established by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
