Research strengths
At the University of Michigan College of Engineering, our research connects discovery to real-world impact—from foundational science to applied engineering and solutions that are ready to use.
What we do
Deliver impact: We work with industry partners to move innovations beyond campus through collaboration, licensing and patents, and startup creation.
Discover: We advance the fundamentals in areas like materials, computing, energy and bioengineering to open the door to new technologies.
Build and test: We design methods, systems and prototypes—and evaluate them in the lab and in real-world settings.
Get in touch with us to find out what we can do together.
Core areas of expertise
Advanced Manufacturing
We bring together expertise in engineering, materials, design, robotics, and computing to shape the future of manufacturing—Industry 5.0 and what comes next. Through interdisciplinary research and industry partnership, we’re helping reinvent U.S. manufacturing for resilience and scale.
Examples: Robotics and automation; additive manufacturing; digital twins; AI-enabled quality and process control; advanced materials processing.
Artificial
Intelligence
Our Artificial Intelligence research spans foundational methods and real-world applications, with an emphasis on effective, reliable, and trustworthy systems. We apply artificial intelligence to high-impact challenges in healthcare, mobility, energy, and beyond.
Examples: Trustworthy and robust AI; machine learning systems; human-AI interaction; AI for healthcare; AI for energy and mobility.
Computational Science & Engineering
We use advanced computing, modeling, and simulation to solve complex engineering problems and accelerate discovery. Powered by world-class supercomputing and interdisciplinary teams, our work bridges new computational methods and practical applications.
Examples: Digital twins, scientific computing; scalable algorithms; numerical methods; data-driven simulation; high-performance computing workflows.
Healthcare
Innovation
Faculty across nearly all engineering departments are developing technologies and systems that improve human health. Interdisciplinary centers help move breakthroughs from the lab toward patient care.
xamples: Biomedical devices; diagnostics; medical imaging; biomaterials; digital health and wearables; drug delivery technologies.
Mobility
Mobility at Michigan unites leading U-M centers and labs to build a transportation future that’s safe, secure, and resilient. Our research advances vehicles, infrastructure, and the systems that connect them.
Examples: Autonomous and connected vehicles; electric vehicles and batteries; vehicle safety; sensing and perception; transportation systems and policy.
Nuclear Energy
Anchored by the nation’s No. 1-ranked nuclear engineering program, we’re advancing next-generation nuclear energy. Our work spans materials, systems, detection, and engagement to support safe, resilient solutions worldwide.
Examples: Nuclear materials; reactor systems; grid integration; fuel cycle and reprocessing; radiation detection; plasma science.
Resilient Infrastructure
We’re building infrastructure that can monitor conditions in real time, adapt to disruption, and recover faster. From water systems and power grids to buildings and hazard forecasting, our work helps communities become more resilient.
Examples: Smart water management; grid monitoring and control; structural health monitoring sensors; advanced construction materials; hazard prediction and risk forecasting.
Semiconductors & Microelectronics
Through MAVERIC, we’re strengthening U.S. leadership in semiconductors with partners in industry, academia, and government. We’re building the workforce and accelerating innovation from research to manufacturing—especially for automotive and mobility applications.
Examples: Integrated Circuit (IC) design; semiconductor devices and materials; chip fabrication, packaging, and testing; automotive electronics; prototyping and scale-up.
Shipbuilding & Maritime Innovation
U-M is home to one of the nation’s few departments dedicated to naval architecture and marine engineering. Our researchers advance maritime technology, workforce development, and resilient infrastructure to help rebuild U.S. maritime strength.
Examples: Ship design; hydrodynamics; marine structures; maritime autonomy; ports and coastal infrastructure; lifecycle engineering.
Space Propulsion & Exploration
Michigan engineers have contributed to landmark space missions and Earth-observing satellites—and we continue to lead major efforts in advanced propulsion. Our work helps enable the next generation of space exploration technologies.
Examples: Electric propulsion; advanced thrusters; spacecraft systems; small satellites; space materials; mission engineering.