Improving quality of life through new movement
Researchers developed a groundbreaking spinal cord stimulation device that restores arm and hand function in patients with paralysis.
Research Improves Lives
Medical research is core to UW Medicine's mission to improve the health of all people. Academic medical center research is essential for improving quality of life for everyone. It offers hope to those in need, generates job opportunities and drives economic growth in our communities.
"It might be surprising to many people that most of the innovation doesn’t actually happen in the big companies; it happens at universities. The universities also train the workforce for the biotech and pharmaceutical companies."
- David Baker, a professor of biochemistry at UW School of Medicine and 2024 Nobel Laureate
Breakthroughs that improve lives
At UW Medicine, we understand the challenges faced by those affected by serious health conditions. With one of the largest medical research programs globally, we are dedicated to empowering our scientists to make significant strides in knowledge and health innovations through groundbreaking discoveries. The UW School of Medicine's research community fosters meaningful collaborations with thousands of colleagues both nationally and around the world. Our researchers know collective efforts lead to better outcomes for everyone. Here are a few of their success stories.
Preventing breast cancer
Researchers are developing a vaccine to prevent breast cancer, with the goal of making it a reality within the next decade.
Life-saving hope for snake bites
Researchers used deep learning to design proteins that neutralize deadly snake venoms, offering life-saving treatments globally.
The people behind the breakthroughs
Our researchers work passionately across 31 academic departments, from anesthesiology to urology. We are united in our commitment to fighting Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, diabetes, genetic disorders, heart disease, infections, multiple sclerosis, strokes, vision loss and other challenges that lead to disability and premature death. Together, we strive to bring hope and healing to those who need it most.
Meet David Baker
His groundbreaking work in protein design has the potential to solve challenges in medicine, energy and technology.
Meet Mary-Claire King
She revolutionized genetic research. Without it, we would not understand the BRCA1 gene’s link to breast and ovarian cancer.
Meet Peter Greenberg
His research on quorum sensing uncovered how bacteria communicate, paving the way for innovative infection therapies.
Leading Alzheimer’s disease research is at risk
A pause in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding threatens the University of Washington’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and its pioneering efforts to understand and combat the disease.
"Slashing NIH and other federal funds will reverberate throughout not only the health and well-being of local communities, but across the local economy that will last for years and will be difficult to reverse once set in motion."
- Bianca K. Frogner, director of the Center for Health Workforce Studies and professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the UW School of Medicine.
The Detrimental Cost of Cutting Support
Impacts on Patient Care
Patients experience delays in cures, treatments and the benefits of medical progress. Some will even die.
Reduced or Terminated Clinical Trials
Patients lose access to life-saving trials and progress stalls on critical treatments.
Fewer Opportunities for Students and Trainees
Aspiring scientists and physicians face barriers to hands-on training, limiting the next generation of innovators.
Lab Closures and Job Losses
Scientific labs shut down, leading to unemployment for researchers, staff and students.
Brain Drain and Broken Pipeline
Talented researchers leave the U.S., weakening our scientific pipeline and leadership in innovation.
Impacts to Public Health
Delays in developing new vaccines, treatments and prevention strategies for infectious diseases and preventable illness, leaving communities more vulnerable to outbreaks and global health threats.
Share Your Story – Help Us Show How Research Improves Lives
We’re seeking compelling stories that demonstrate the real-world impact of research. Whether you are a beneficiary, a researcher or an advocate, your story is important to us. Please share how UW Medicine research has made a difference in your life or the lives of others.