Research
Our faculty, staff, and students are making a difference. Through research, scholarship, and creative activity, we are addressing a broad range of statewide and national economic, health, and social challenges. Learn more about Research.
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Current students, faculty, and staff: Visit us on MyUSM
We’ve moved our information for current students, faculty, and staff to MyUSM — streamlining access through our secure, single sign-on portal. Login required.
COVID-19 Response
The Office of Research remains open, with staff working remotely. We are available to assist the university community with research information and support.
Highlights
Integral part of Maine’s workforce & economic development
Our University contributes to the vibrancy of Maine’s economy, the vitality of our communities, and environmental health by developing educated citizens and investing in innovation and creativity.
More than $28 million awarded for faculty & staff research
Through our regional and national funding partnerships, more than 200 faculty and professional staff members engaged in externally funded research projects last year.
Generous funding for student-faculty collaboration
We don’t just encourage big ideas – we fund them. More than 30 undergraduate students receive fellowships each year to pursue research projects alongside a faculty member.
Generating enhanced career opportunities
Our graduate assistants gain invaluable academic experience, professional development, and networking opportunities, along with a stipend and the potential for tuition waivers.
Cutler Institute: Solutions for complex societal issues
More than 150 staff bring decades of experience and advanced degrees in areas of policy, social work, law, education, business administration, and public health.
Investigating environmental issues & developing solutions
Environmental Science and Policy Professor Karen Wilson is part of a team of researchers examining a mysterious algae bloom that could affect a popular Maine recreation spot.
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Investing in the Future: Our North Atlantic partnerships
We’ve launched research, workforce development, and education programs — including study abroad — that spur economic growth and build students’ global competence.
Virtual Reality & 3D printing in the CI2 Lab
This is where creative intelligence flourishes. In the lab, students pursue entrepreneurial ideas and create products and services that solve real-world problems.
Forward Momentum: Developing community-based solutions
We apply a practical approach to translate evidence-based best practices into everyday practice for Maine’s businesses, government agencies, and communities.
Beyond the Lab: How creative ventures embody research
Our faculty bring extensive experience and multidisciplinary approaches to create, investigate, question, and explore.
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Cutler Institute: Research, training & technical assistance
We partner with organizations and communities to translate knowledge and best practices into sustainable solutions.
Funding and guidance for faculty & staff research
In addition to providing guidance on securing funding and submitting a proposal, we offer access to international information databases and publication resources.
Contact us
Our Office of Research serves as a resource for our faculty, staff, and students, as well as our community partners.
News
Toward the Next Century: Envisioning and Designing Sustainable Coastal Communities
Foerster ’22 researches the positive effects of reading to people with Alzheimer’s disease
These USM students want to make brewing more sustainable
USM, UNH project awarded $60k NSF grant for climate change workshop
USM, UMaine researchers explore change in Southern Greenland
USM alumna, researcher featured in Times Record article on green crab invasion
Professor's piece on veterinary social work published in Portland Press Herald
Professor emerita co-authors study on effects of plastic on bacteria
