Research at Western

Western Washington University's research, creative and scholarly programs are ranked #7 among all Master's granting institutions in the United States and #3 in WA State in terms of total R&D spending(1), with hundreds of faculty, students, staff and community partners participating in a wide range of innovative activities.  Western is home to a vibrant and creative community of researchers, creators and scholars, affording exceptional opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to learn by doing, working side-by-side with accomplished experts.  Our nationally-recognized scientists and engineers, artists and performers, novelists and composers are engaged in high-impact work seeking to better understand, explain, and improve our community and the lives of people.  Western's research portfolio includes partnerships with a wide range of federal, state, local, and tribal governments, nonprofit and educational institutions, and businesses throughout Washington State.

(1) 2018 NSF HERD Survey.  

Current Grants at Western

Research Centers

• Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Center (AMSEC)
• Behavioral Neuroscience Program
• Border Policy Research Institute
• Center for Business and Economic Research
• Cyber Range Poulsbo
• Cyber Security and Privacy Initiative
• Institute for Energy Studies
• Institute of Environmental Toxicology
• Institute for Watershed Studies
• Resilience Institute
• Salish Sea Institute
• Shannon Point Marine Center
• Small Business Development Center
• University Instrument Center (Scientific Technical Services)
• Western Mars Lab: Planetary Science Research at WWU