Ten Washington State University research projects were awarded funding from the President’s Big Ideas Initiative, as administrators also announced a $2 million annual commitment to provide ongoing support for research priorities.
The initiative was launched earlier this year by President Betsy Cantwell and Vice President for Research Kim Christen to bolster high-impact science and enhance WSU’s role as the state’s public research lab.
Some 144 applications were submitted from across the WSU system, and 10 were selected following internal and external review. The awardees represent a range of research across disciplines, from advancing nuclear science to developing wearable technologies for neurocognitive health.
“In the Office of Research, our mission is to power WSU’s research enterprise by sparking new ideas, driving bold innovation, and delivering real world impact,” Christen said in announcing the awards. “Fulfilling that mission means strengthening WSU’s role as the state’s public research lab — where enduring, solutions focused work is carried out in partnership with communities across Washington and the region.”
The initiative included three major funding tracks, framed around building large scale research platforms, publicly engaged research projects, and partnerships with the private sector.
In naming the projects selected for funding, Christen also announced the formation of the Strategic Research Investment Fund, with a $2 million annual commitment from the system’s Facilities and Administrative Fund beginning in the 2026 fiscal year to advance WSU’s research priorities.
