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News

Joe Hefner pointing at a wall display of human bone x-rays

MSU to Create First-of-Its-Kind Database for Analyzing Human Remains

Michigan State University is leading the effort to create a computer program that produces a holistic biological profile of human remains and makes the investigative process clearer and more efficient. The project called MOSAIC is funded through a $2.1 million grant from the National Institute of Justice.

A person holding a glass of water

New Study of PFAS Forever Chemicals Highlights Need to Reduce Contamination in Drinking Water

A new study involving researchers from Michigan State University has revealed concerning findings on the long-term impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance, or PFAS, exposure in communities affected by industrial contamination in drinking water sourced near an abandoned paper mill landfill.
A dark empty lab with several lab coats hanging

The Uncertain Future of U.S. Cancer Research

Cancer research in the U.S. is backed by a complex system of interdependent funding. Partners rely heavily on each other and, when one struggles, the entire system suffers. Here, Jeffrey MacKeigan explains how cancer research funding works and what happens if there are cuts to those budgets.

Twisting tree branches on MSU campus with lawn and brick building behind

2025 MSU Innovation of the Year: Sit Sense

Pressure sores, also known as bedsores, form when individuals remain in the same position for extended periods without movement. Tamara Bush, professor of mechanical engineering and associate dean for inclusion and diversity at Michigan State University, and Justin Scott, biomechanics research associate, have developed a breakthrough solution to help address this widespread issue.
A person smiling holding a child

Groundbreaking Study Improves Children’s Health Across the Nation

Michigan State University researcher Jean Kerver leads one of the largest National Institutes of Health-funded studies of environmental influences on child health outcomes. She works with families in Michigan to understand a broad range of environmental factors, including air pollution, chemical exposure, inadequate nutrition and others, that may adversely affect pregnancy and child health.
A photo of Asteroid Vesta

New Research Shatters Long-Held Beliefs About Asteroid Vesta

For decades, scientists believed Vesta, one of the largest objects in our solar system’s asteroid belt, wasn’t just an asteroid. They concluded that Vesta has a crust, mantle and core – fundamental properties of a planet. Michigan State University has contributed to research that flips this notion on its head.
MSU Beaumont Tower

MSU Greenhouse Facility Expands With New Headhouse, Renovations to Boost Capacity

Just over a year ago, Michigan State University leaders broke ground on transformative renovations taking place at the MSU Plant Science Research Greenhouse Facility. As work continues to be done at the facility, its progress is clear and evident when passing by.

MSU's mascot, Sparty, raising hands with a crowd

MSU’s Supercomputer Celebrates 20 Years of Accelerating Research

The Institute for Cyber-Enabled Research (ICER) marked its 20th anniversary this February with a celebration at the MSU Union Ballroom, highlighting two decades of advancing high-performance computing (HPC) on campus. Event highlights included a poster session showcased impactful research enabled by MSU’s supercomputer.
Announcements
MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory names Brandizzi as next director
Michigan State University Research Foundation Professor Federica Brandizzi has been named the next director of the MSU-Department of Energy Plant Research Laboratory, or PRL.
Yumibe Named a Research Foundation Professor
In recognition of his influential scholarship in film and media studies and his contributions to Michigan State University’s research mission, Joshua Yumibe has been named an MSU Research Foundation Professor. He is among just four MSU faculty members to earn this prestigious designation in 2025.
Liu Awarded Young Investigator Award for Making AI Safer
Sijia Liu, an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), was presented the Aharon Katzir Young Investigator Award from International Neural Network Society (INNS) during its 2025 joint conference in Rome, Italy, in early July.
Barton Named Fellow of the Electrochemical Society
Scott Calabrese Barton of Michigan State University has joined a renowned group of 12 experts in the U.S. and abroad as a Fellow in The Electrochemical Society (ECS). A professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (ChEMS), he was selected in recognition of his technological and service contributions to the society.
Sant’Ambrogio Elected to American Law Institute
Michigan State University College of Law Dean Michael Sant’Ambrogio has been elected to the American Law Institute, or ALI, one of the nation’s most respected organizations dedicated to clarifying and improving the law.
Ferguson Receives National Ubuntu Award From LSAC
Mary Ann Ferguson, Assistant Dean for Diversity and Equity Services at Michigan State University College of Law, has received the 2025 Camille deJorna Ubuntu Award from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).