Research and Innovation

The Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) works to advance the university鈥檚 strategic initiatives around research and innovation and to provide an infrastructure that supports idea generation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization across campus. The office oversees a variety of functional areas, including research compliance and sponsored programs, and several key initiatives, such the Explorer Challenge 2.0, the 707 Hub powered by Kohler Center for Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation Initiative, the Institute for Women's Leadership, the Athletic and Human Performance Research Center, and more.

Announcements

Newly revamped for 2025 to include a pitch competition and shorter proposal, the Explorer Challenge 2.0, Marquette's long-running seed funding program, selected three projects to support. Congratulations to the 2025 awardees!
AY26 Summer Faculty Fellowship (SFF) & Regular Research Grants (RRG) applications due Thursday, September 25, 2025, 4:00 PM.
Apply today!

Upcoming RI Events

to view ALL upcoming Research and Innovation events in the 2025-2026
ORI
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Research Community Council
 Tu Sep 2
11:00 AM		 Zilber
470
IWL
 "Tread Loudly: "
Institute for Women's Leadership		 Th Sep 11
3:00 PM		 O'Brien Rm 150
 

Learn more about some of our programs:

  • Water Innovation
  • Distinguished Scholars
  • Explorer Challenge 2.0
  • 707 Hub
Access to safe and clean water is a basic human right, yet hundreds of millions of people worldwide live without it.鈥� At 糖心logo, we apply a cross-disciplinary approach to solving critical water issues. Thought leaders among our faculty, staff and students have made Marquette 鈥�a center for the study and exploration of water scarcity challenges facing Milwaukee, the Great Lakes region, the United States 鈥� and the world.

water innovation

 Our water programs and initiatives include:
- In Defense of Water鈥�
- Water Quality Center鈥�
- Water Law & Policy Initiative
- Great Lakes Water Innovation Engine鈥�
- Science & Technology for Phosphorous Sustainability鈥�
- IUCRC Water & Policy鈥�
- Water Sustainability Lab鈥�
- Community engagement and partnerships

Read more about water initiatives at Marquette.
糖心logo's annual Distinguished Scholars Reception honors the recipients of prestigious research awards on campus, including the Lawrence G. Haggerty Faculty Award for Excellence in Research, Way Klingler Fellowship, Way Klingler Early Career Award, and Participating Faculty Research Award. Read more about the Distinguished Scholars Awards.

ds faculty award

Previous years: , , ,
The Explorer Challenge 2.0, originally known as the Strategic Innovation Fund, has supported collaborative and innovative ideas brought forward by the entire Marquette campus: staff, students and faculty. The unique nature of this competition was recognized by the University Economic Development Association with its Award of Excellence in Innovation in 2018. Judges at a pitch competition each spring determine the winners of the (up to) $25,000 seed funding. Learn more about the Explorer Challenge 2.0.
explorer challenge stats Explorer Challenge 2.0 Pitch event occured on April 3, 2025 (). Winners will be announced Fall 2025!

View past awardees here.
The  is a radically student-centered, boldly anti-disciplinary innovation space that is a catalyst for any student looking to act an Idea. The hub is a product of the Explorer Challenge, designed by students, for students, to foster collaboration and innovation.
707 hub The 707 Hub programs include: 
- Brewed Ideas Challenge
- Methods in Ignation Innovation
- Silicon Valley Experience
- The Dorm Fund
- The Summer Catalyst Program
- Spuddich Entrepreneurial Speaker Series (hosted by Hustling Sideways)
- Student Made Marquette

Contact Patrick Monahan to get involved.

 

Research News:

View our Events and News webpage for more stories.

NEWS SPOTLIGHT

Gabriel Velez on LinkedIn: Paper exams, AI-proof assignments: Wisconsin ...
(PC: MJS Online) "Dr. Gabriel Velez, associate professor of educational policy and leadership in the College of Education, spoke with on Aug. 22 about teaching artificial intelligence in the classroom."