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Research and Innovation

Scholarship, discovery, and creative expression happen here.

Make your impact

You have important work to do. We’re here to support you along the way.

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Faculty Research

From funding to ethics, we can help you bring knowledge to life.

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Student Research

Partner with faculty to work on projects that spark your curiosity.

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Partnerships

Sponsor research that’s making a big difference.

Highlights

143

Number of Awards

$31.5m

Award dollars

$34.5m

Expenditures

5,532

Number of Publications Produced Since 2015

These achievements are powered by financial support. We can help make your research and innovation possible.
Explore funding opportunities

All numbers based on FY24 data. View the full report

Redbirds make big things happen

Navigating the world just got easier.

Illinois State graduate student Loiy Qasrawi is developing “SenseWay,” a virtual‑reality navigation app for Apple Vision Pro designed to help people who are blind or have low vision move through unfamiliar spaces more independently.

about a Grad student’s VR app to help blind people navigate the world Read the article

More Breakthroughs and Innovative Ideas

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Life-saving app

Innovation by Matt Kase

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Connecting people and research through food

Innovation by Vivian Kong Doctora

Check out our publication dedicated to research and creative expression at Illinois State.

Read the Redbird Scholar

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Where innovation happens

Illinois State is home to several research centers across campus.

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Center for Child Welfare and Adoption Studies

Improves child welfare and adoption practices to support child and family well-being locally and nationally

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Center for Collaborative Studies in Mathematical Biology

Advances research and education in biology, mathematics, and computational science

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Center for Cybersecurity Research and Education

Aims to protect people, businesses, institutions, and infrastructure from evolving cyber threats

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Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology

Advances STEM education and scholarship from kindergarten through college

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Center for Sustainable Water Future

Focuses on sustainable water solutions and stewardship in Illinois and beyond

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Illinois Center for Specialized Professional Support

Supports career, technical, and adult education in Illinois

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Institute for Geospatial Analysis and Mapping

Enhances understanding of the environmental and social challenges facing Illinois

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Institute for Regulatory Policy Studies

Focuses on regulatory economics and public policy in sectors like electricity, natural gas, telecom, and water

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Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development

Promotes sustainable community and economic development

View all centers

Research and Innovation Offices

When you research at Illinois State, you get a whole team dedicated to helping you succeed.

Research and Sponsored Programs

Supports faculty research from start to finish.

Ethics and Compliance

Oversees compliance with federal, state, and university policies.

Office of Student Research

Supports graduate and undergraduate research.

Illinois Innovation Network logo

Proud member of the Illinois Innovation Network

Across the state, people and organizations are coming together to spark ideas, make an impact, and create communities that are ready for the future.

Innovation close to home

Bloomington-Normal will soon be home to a community business incubator that will serve as our own local space for innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and economic development.

Learn more about the Illinois Innovation Network