Researchers testing soil in a forest

Overview of WSU Research

Washington State University research addresses the challenges of today to create a better future.

In alignment with our land-grant mission, we support research, scholarship, and creative activity that enriches the lives of the communities we serve, from Washington to the world.

Partnership and engagement with the communities that WSU serves are key to answering pressing questions and solving difficult problems. WSU researchers collaborate with communities, industry partners, Tribal nations, and other researchers around the world to catalyze change. 

All forms of research, scholarship, and creative activity are valued and supported throughout the WSU research enterprise: from foundational research to community engaged partnerships. We promote interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research between the social sciences, engineering, the physical sciences, the arts, the humanities, and life and health sciences across all campuses. These relationships generate dynamic research strengths that uniquely position WSU to do strategic and socially impactful research. 

Researcher holding vial in laboratory.

Research Strengths

WSU research spans a broad range of topics, including: Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture; Community and Public Health; Biomedical, Life Sciences, and Biotechnology; Environmental Sciences and Energy Futures; Next Generation Materials and Advanced Manufacturing; and AI/ML and Robotics.

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Forest and mountains

Statewide Expertise

Via campuses, centers, and extensions throughout Washington state, WSU advances research and creative activities for the benefit of people everywhere.

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