4.6.25

Research at Wichita State thrives across disciplines

Innovation takes flight at Wichita State, where research propels progress across every discipline.

Wichita State is thriving as a hub for advanced research across a spectrum of disciplines, and this growth is a testament to our mission of fostering innovation, collaboration and discovery. As we continue to build on our legacy of excellence, it’s clear that research at WSU is not confined to laboratories or lecture halls: It’s an integral part of our university culture, creating transformative opportunities for students and faculty alike.

At WSU, research takes many forms and spans diverse fields of study. We’re famous for the numerous cutting-edge projects at the National Institute for Aviation Research, but it goes beyond aviation. From our archaeological fieldwork that uncovers and preserves history to groundbreaking advancements in healthcare technologies, our research footprint is as varied as it is impressive.
Each endeavor contributes to a learning environment where students shape the future of discovery.

Our students actively participate in hands-on research, whether it’s designing a device for NASA or contributing to the study of aquatic systems in Kansas. Collaborative, interdisciplinary teams bring together expertise from across academic fields to tackle global challenges such as erosion risks at Kansas historical sites or developing cutting-edge genetic testing technology or developing an interpretation app for graphic novels for users of all visual abilities. This dynamic approach to research ensures that our students and faculty are anticipating and responding to not only our community’s but also the world’s needs.

This vibrant research ecosystem is a cornerstone of our mission as Kansas’ only urban public research university. It reflects our dedication to solving real-world problems, fostering applied experiences for student success and enriching the cultural fabric of our community. Moreover, the breadth of our research affirms that innovation is a university-wide ethos that informs everything we do.

As we celebrate milestones like our 2024 highest-ever overall research and development expenditures of $392.3 million and our National Science Foundation rankings that put us at No. 1 in aerospace engineering R&D, we remain focused on expanding our research enterprise in ways that advance society, empower students and elevate Shocker Nation as a leader in innovation.

Thank you for your continued support in shaping this journey together.

Go Shockers!