Research

Focus on Research

As a Carnegie Research 2, or R2, institution, UMKC has achieved recognition for its “high” research activity. But we're not stopping there. We're more focused on research than ever before.

610

Research proposals

Faculty, students and staff sent off more proposals in fiscal year 2023 than in the history of UMKC.

$147M

Awards granted

The ratio of proposals-to-awards and the amount of requested-to-funded dollars increased by 8% in FY23.

Dare to Ask the Big Questions

UMKC is leading the way in solving some of the world’s greatest scientific challenges. We are at the forefront of some of the most important research happening across the country and around the world. How did we get here? By seeking the answers to the big questions. So we ask you this: which of life's mysteries are you itching to solve?

Research Areas

UMKC is the only comprehensive research institution in the Kansas City metropolitan area, with significant research strengths in these areas:

Artistic and creative expression

Cellular basis of disease

Transformative, effective and equitable education

Environmental sustainability and civic engagement

Advanced materials and biomaterials

Patient and population health

World Class Research. Real World Solutions.

What does research mean at UMKC? It means identifying a problem and seeking an answer. It means making the world a better place. Here are just a few of our ongoing projects:

Early detection of multiple sclerosis

There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis, a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord, but treatment can help manage symptoms and speed up recovery from attacks. Therefore, a non-invasive, clinically relevant and cost-effective method of identifying damage early would enable prompt therapy that may slow the progression of ocular manifestations before irreversible damage occurs. Microperimetry, a testing method studied by a team of researchers at the UMKC School of Medicine Vision Research Center, measures light sensitivity of the center of a patient’s vision and can detect specific areas of decreased sensitivity in less than half an hour.

Identifying MS Early

Examining 17th century manuscripts with 21st century technology

UMKC researchers’ 21st century methods for analyzing records from the Middle Ages and the 17th century have received a $400,000-plus boost from two grants by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Their project, titled “Unlocking the Mysteries of a Medieval Chant Book with Multispectral Imaging,” furthers their work with a new method for analyzing early modern manuscripts and print materials. It draws upon special collections held by UMKC, the Linda Hall Library and the University of Kansas.

High-Tech Humanities Research

Data analytics for business and entrepreneurship

From medicine to politics to business, data has become an essential power source. Henry W. Bloch School of Management has infused data science throughout its curricula to empower the next generation of business leaders to understand and effectively wield data to deliver results.

Data Science at the Bloch School

How viruses evade detection by host cells

Assistant professor Jared May joined UMKC when the world was beginning to shut down because of COVID-19. While May adjusted to the move from Washington D.C., he pursued research into how plant viruses evade detection in host cells, and how it relates to human virus pathogenesis.

Molecular arms race