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INDIANA UNIVERSITY
Bloomington
World-class research

Discoveries that change lives—in Indiana and beyond

Research at Indiana University improves lives. Students and faculty at IU Bloomington connect to a university-wide research network of expertise and leadership in areas across science, business, technology, art, and humanities. Join a community advancing knowledge and communities and solving real-world challenges across health, technology, the environment, and society.

Explore IU Research
Student and professor seated in a medical imaging lab discussing brain scans displayed on a computer monitor with MRI machine in background.

Research that makes a difference

At Indiana University, research is a public good. It connects disciplines, brings together people with different perspectives, and turns ideas into solutions that improve lives. From Indiana's flagship campus, you engage directly in that work.

As part of IU's statewide research enterprise, the Bloomington campus connects you to work that addresses some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from advancing health and aging research to developing new technologies in artificial intelligence and quantum science. Through initiatives like IU LAB, researchers collaborate across disciplines, campuses, and industry to accelerate discovery and tackle complex problems at scale.

This work is supported by a university-wide research infrastructure grounded in service—empowering researchers, engaging students, and partnering with communities and industry to create meaningful, lasting impact across Indiana and beyond. IU Inc. and programs such as IU Innovates help move discoveries from the lab into the world, supporting entrepreneurship, commercialization, and the translation of research into real-world solutions.

  • $1B+
    in research funding, fueling discoveries that strengthen Indiana's economy and communities
  • No. 1
    university in the state in sponsored research—trusted by partners, agencies, and institutions
  • $250M+
    invested in biosciences, accelerating innovation in health and life sciences
  • $111M
    invested in microelectronics, advancing next-generation technology and national security
Focused on the future

Transformative research areas

Researchers at Indiana University look to advance discovery in key areas that shape lives and industries.
  • Student and professor reviewing documents together in a laboratory while another person works in the background.

    Health and aging

    Improving the health and well-being of older adults through nationally recognized research programs

  • Student demonstrates an assistive robot during a hands-on artificial intelligence research session.

    Artificial intelligence

    Applying AI to solve complex challenges and enhance the human experience

  • Researcher gestures toward global data visualizations displayed on a large interactive video wall.

    Quantum science & technology

    Advancing materials, computing, and cybersecurity through next-generation discovery

  • Researcher examines a soil sample during environmental fieldwork in a wooded area.

    Environmental health

    Protecting natural resources, preventing disease, and advancing sustainable and climate-friendly practices

  • Two lab researchers in white coats handle a container emitting vapor, transferring frozen samples into a cryogenic vessel while another researcher works at a freezer in the background.

    Biosciences

    Advancing scientific discoveries aimed at curing and treating diseases and improving human health, and leading life sciences and biotechnology innovation

  • Person wearing a red shirt adjusts valves on a large metal liquid nitrogen tank inside a laboratory labeled “Center for Reliable & Trusted Electronics.”

    Microelectronics

    Leading secure, trusted, and sustainable research in microelectronics (ME) with a focus on ME design, ME radiation effects, reliability, and workforce development

IU Research

Supporting research at all stages

Research at Indiana University is supported by a university-wide network of people, resources, technology, and infrastructure designed to move ideas forward—from early exploration to large-scale discovery.

From the Bloomington campus, researchers connect directly to that system, accessing everything they need to tackle complex questions and accelerate discovery—from funding support and interdisciplinary partnerships to advanced computing, data storage, visualization tools, and other research technologies through University Information Technology Services (UITS).

IU Research partners with faculty, students, and industry collaborators across all campuses to:

  • Secure funding to advance discovery
  • Build collaborations across disciplines and campuses
  • Navigate complex research processes
  • Provide the technology, tools, services, and support applications needed to achieve research goals
  • Translate ideas into real-world impact
Explore IU Research Find UITS research technology resources
A student and professor examine a piece of technology together during hands-on research in an advanced campus lab.

Student research opportunities

IU Bloomington makes research opportunities available to all students from the moment they arrive on campus.

Student research

Researchers deploy and analyze a mobile sensing device during an outdoor applied research project.

Bringing ideas to market

Innovation at Indiana University grows from a foundation of research, collaboration, and real-world application. From the Bloomington campus, students and faculty connect to IU’s broader innovation ecosystem—turning ideas into ventures, partnerships, and new industries.

Researcher loads samples into automated laboratory equipment for scientific analysis.

Centers, museums, and institutes

Across Indiana University, labs, centers, and institutes bring together researchers to tackle complex challenges. From the Bloomington campus, you can engage in this collaborative network—working across disciplines and campuses to address issues that impact communities locally and worldwide.

Explore centers, museums, and institutes

Participants explore virtual reality technology at an Indiana University research showcase.

Research events and workshops

Faculty and students have access to a wide range of experiences and workshops designed to help develop skills and knowledge needed to solve tomorrow's problems today.

Research events and workshops

Group of university representatives sit at a formal signing event holding framed documents while others applaud behind a conference table.

IU research in the news

Stay up to date on the latest discoveries from Indiana University’s research enterprise—from breakthroughs in health and technology to innovations shaping communities in Indiana and beyond.

Research news