Research and Innovation

The Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) works to advance the university’s strategic initiatives around research and innovation and to provide an infrastructure that supports idea generation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization across campus. The office oversees a variety of functional areas, including research compliance and sponsored programs, and several key initiatives, such as ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ's NSF-funded ADVANCE initiative, The Explorer Challenge, the 707 Hub powered by Kohler Center for Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation Initiative, the Institute for Women's Leadership, the Athletic and Human Performance Research Center, and more.

Announcements

winnersExplorer Challenge 2.0 Pitch event occured on April 3, 2025 (). 2025 Winners will be announced Fall 2025!
AY26 Summer Faculty Fellowship (SFF) & Regular Research Grants (RRG) applications due Thursday, September 25, 2025, 4:00 PM.
Apply today!

Upcoming RI Events

to view ALL upcoming Research and Innovation events in the 2025-2026
ORI
 "Where do we go from here, cont'd meeting"
Research Community: Civic Science Initiative		 Th Aug 7
11:00AM		 707 Hub
ORI
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Research Community Council		 W Aug 13
2:45PM		 Zilber 470
 

Learn more about some of our programs:

  • Water Innovation
  • Distinguished Scholars
  • Explorer Challenge 2.0
  • 707 Hub
Access to safe and clean water is a basic human right, yet hundreds of millions of people worldwide live without it.​ At ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ, we apply a cross-disciplinary approach to solving critical water issues. Thought leaders among our faculty, staff and students have made ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ â€‹a center for the study and exploration of water scarcity challenges facing Milwaukee, the Great Lakes region, the United States — and the world.

water innovation

 Our water programs and initiatives include:
- In Defense of Water​
- Water Quality Center​
- Water Law & Policy Initiative
- Great Lakes Water Innovation Engine​
- Science & Technology for Phosphorous Sustainability​
- IUCRC Water & Policy​
- Water Sustainability Lab​
- Community engagement and partnerships

Read more about water initiatives at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ.
ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ's annual Distinguished Scholars Reception honors the recipients of prestigious research awards on campus, including the Lawrence G. Haggerty Faculty Award for Excellence in Research, Way Klingler Fellowship, Way Klingler Early Career Award, and Participating Faculty Research Award. Read more about the Distinguished Scholars Awards.

ds faculty award

Previous years: , , ,
The Explorer Challenge 2.0, originally known as the Strategic Innovation Fund, has supported collaborative and innovative ideas brought forward by the entire ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ campus: staff, students and faculty. The unique nature of this competition was recognized by the University Economic Development Association with its Award of Excellence in Innovation in 2018. Judges at a pitch competition each spring determine the winners of the (up to) $25,000 seed funding. Learn more about the Explorer Challenge 2.0.
explorer challenge stats Explorer Challenge 2.0 Pitch event occured on April 3, 2025 (). Winners will be announced Fall 2025!

View past awardees here.
The  is a radically student-centered, boldly anti-disciplinary innovation space that is a catalyst for any student looking to act an Idea. The hub is a product of the Explorer Challenge, designed by students, for students, to foster collaboration and innovation.
707 hub The 707 Hub programs include: 
- Brewed Ideas Challenge
- Methods in Ignation Innovation
- Silicon Valley Experience
- The Dorm Fund
- The Summer Catalyst Program
- Spuddich Entrepreneurial Speaker Series (hosted by Hustling Sideways)
- Student Made ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ

Contact Patrick Monahan to get involved.

 

Research News:

View our Events and News webpage for more stories.

NEWS SPOTLIGHT

chelsea cookDr. Chelsea Cook, assistant professor of biological sciences in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, spoke with on July 2 about factors that lead to increased ticks in summer months.