Research at Purdue 

Purdue’s thriving culture of innovation dates to its earliest days 

As a land-grant institution, Purdue University was created in part to conduct research that improves the lives of people in Indiana and beyond. Whether feeding the hungry, healing the sick or introducing the next great technological innovation, researchers remain persistent in their pursuit of knowledge that will change the future. 

Discover why we’re one of the world’s top-ranked research facilities and learn about life-changing breakthroughs. 

Top 10
Most Innovative School in the U.S. Six Years Running U.S. News & World Report, 2024
$613M
Secured in Research Funding
#5
in the U.S. for Patents U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, 2023

Purdue scientist reflects on her passion for studying Mars’ geology, landscape

Briony Horgan grew up in Portland, Oregon, where, enjoying the mountains and volcanoes that surrounded the region, she developed a love of geology. A long-standing interest in space made Horgan realize she wasn’t confined to study rocks simply on Earth.

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The whitest paint is here – and it’s the coolest. Literally.

In an effort to curb global warming, Purdue University engineers have created the whitest paint yet. Coating buildings with this paint may one day cool them off enough to reduce the need for air conditioning, the researchers say.

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Engineering professor Andrew Whelton contributes to recovery efforts at communities impacted by wildfires like Maui, Hawaii.

Purdue professor ‘brings the world’ to help after Maui, Hawaii, wildfires

The sense of purpose that initially inspired Andrew Whelton still pushes him to help at disaster sites today.

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Imaging agent illuminates
lung cancer tumors

Surgery, especially surgery to remove cancerous tumors, relies on a range of tools and techniques, as well as on the skill of the surgeon. Now, new imaging agent Cytalux will make surgery to remove lung cancer tumors a little more exact.

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The Podcast Ep 85: Purdue Research Series | A Look Into Semiconductors With Mark Lundstrom

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re featuring the first guest in our Purdue Research Series, Mark Lundstrom, Purdue University’s chief semiconductor officer.

Purdue has developed a culture where discovery is the first step, not the final destination. Industry partners and entrepreneurs are aware of Purdue resources to bring innovations to the marketplace.

Mung Chiang

President, Purdue University

Research is about innovation. It’s the innovation engine that drives the country. That’s why it’s important. It is the thing that continues to give the U.S. a competitive advantage as a country, because we’re the ones on the leading edge making new discoveries that make a difference across the world.

Karen Plaut

Executive Vice President for Research, Purdue University

This MOU (memorandum of understanding) signed with Purdue University holds great significance for imec. It provides us with a unique opportunity to act as a major catalyst of worldwide semiconductor R&D in collaboration with a world-class American research university. This collaboration between these two R&D powerhouses from the U.S. and Europe underscores my strong conviction that international collaboration in semiconductor research and development is imperative for expediting progress by building on our strengths and innovating faster together.

Luc Van den hove

President and CEO, imec

Universities aren’t just places that present new knowledge; they’re places that create new knowledge, and students are essential to that. One of the things you see here at Purdue is that students at all levels — PhD, graduate and undergraduate students — are involved in research directly and will be involved directly in the activities at HARF (Purdue’s Hypersonics and Applied Research Facility).

Mark Lewis

CEO, Purdue Applied Research Institute

Read about the latest research breakthroughs from Purdue.

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When wildfires strike, Andrew Whelton goes into action

Purdue engineering professor Andrew Whelton is driven to help people. He found an opportunity to do that through disaster response.  When communities are hit by devastating wildfires, water contamination can delay their recovery. Whelton, a water quality expert, provides guidance…
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Podcast Ep. 91: Purdue Research Series | A Look Into Bioarchaeology and the Ancient Nile River Valley With Michele Buzon

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Michele Buzon, professor of anthropology in Purdue University’s College of Liberal Arts. This marks the final episode in our 2023 Purdue Research Series, which shares how Purdue provides practical solutions…
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Dave Cappelleri holding the Guinness World Records certificate.

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The world’s smallest drum

This microscopic version of the World’s Largest Drum is a Guinness World Record winner.

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Seeing STARS: Purdue trains next generation of semiconductor engineers

Programs like Purdue’s STARS initiative are essential as partners from education, government and industry collaborate to resolve U.S. semiconductor concerns.

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Podcast Ep. 89: Purdue Research Series | A Look Into NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and Boilermaker Ties to Space With Danny Milisavljevic

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Danny Milisavljevic, associate professor of physics and astronomy in Purdue University’s College of Science. This marks the third episode in our Purdue Research Series, which shares how Purdue provides practical…
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Podcast Ep. 87: Purdue Research Series | A Look Into Food Safety, Security and Sustainability With Amanda Deering and Haley Oliver

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Amanda Deering and Haley Oliver from Purdue University’s Department of Food Science. This marks the second episode in our Purdue Research Series, which shares how Purdue provides practical solutions to…
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Susan Edgell

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Podcast Ep. 86 – Susan Edgell Discusses How Her Mother, Virginia Ferris, Became the First Woman Appointed to Purdue Agriculture Faculty

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Susan Edgell, the daughter of Purdue University trailblazer Virginia Ferris. Virginia was the first woman appointed to the College of Agriculture faculty and had a significant influence on the department’s…
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Podcast Ep. 85: Purdue Research Series | A Look Into Semiconductors With Mark Lundstrom

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re featuring the first guest in our Purdue Research Series, Mark Lundstrom, Purdue University’s chief semiconductor officer.  We’re sharing how Purdue provides practical solutions to the world’s toughest challenges in this new series.  …
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Podcast Ep. 82: Purdue Institute for Cancer Research Raises $100,000 in Annual Challenge 5K

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” the podcast team is taking our listeners behind the scenes during the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research’s 15th annual Challenge 5K run/walk. More than 900 runners and walkers participated in this year’s Challenge,…
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Laura Bowling in front of bookcase.

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A thank you to those who led the way for Purdue teaching award recipient

“When I was an undergraduate, I had no ambition to go to graduate school,” says Laura Bowling.

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Bryan Hubbard

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Purdue Polytechnic professor reflects on teaching career

Bryan Hubbard hails from a small town. Others might have been intimidated their first time on Purdue’s campus. Bryan wasn’t.

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