Driving Breakthroughs in Health and Science
At Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, research isn’t just something we do. It’s who we are.
Our faculty and student scholars work side‑by‑side to address some of the world’s most urgent health challenges — from nitrate contamination in Iowa’s drinking water to estrogen’s effect on exercise. Their expertise is supported with funding from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, National Institute of Justice and other leading industry partners.
Students are a key part of this work, gaining hands‑on experience as they contribute to meaningful discoveries.
This is where ideas become evidence — and evidence becomes impact.
National Recognition for a Growing Research Enterprise
DMU has earned national recognition for its research enterprise, receiving designation as a Research Colleges and Universities institution from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
One of only 24 institutions nationwide to also hold a Special Focus: Medical Schools and Centers classification, DMU stands out for its specialized medical education and expanding impact on health sciences research.
1,700+
Student Research Projects
Over the Past Five Years
1,050+
Faculty Scholarly Activities
Over the Past Five Years
$960,000+
Internal Research Grants
Over the Past Five Years
3
Dedicated Research Centers
Empowering Research Across Disciplines
At Des Moines University, our research is driven by three strategic focus areas designed to spark innovation, encourage collaboration and create real‑world impact, all while giving students meaningful, hands‑on research experiences alongside faculty.
Applied Analytics and Innovation Center
Advances artificial intelligence, data science, digital health and emerging technologies to enhance research, education and health care innovation.
Clinical and Translational Science Center
Transforms scientific discoveries into clinical, community and population health solutions that improve patient outcomes.
Health and Human Performance Center
Propels research in human movement, musculoskeletal health, rehabilitation, anatomy, wellness and functional performance.
Student Research
DMU students have ample opportunity to put their knowledge to work and contribute to research. Our students have:
- Worked alongside faculty in the Mentored Student Research Program
- Published in peer‑reviewed journals
- Presented abstracts at national conferences
- Earned prestigious awards, fellowships and scholarships
- Showcased their findings at our annual research symposium and colloquium
DMU provides a supportive and resource‑rich environment where emerging scientists can make meaningful contributions to health and medicine.
Research Symposium and Young Scientist Program
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Nov. 13-14, 2026
DMU’s Research Symposium and Young Scientist Program is a two-day forum for scholars to present what they’ve learned through their research experiences and engage the larger community in discussion on cutting-edge health topics through poster displays and podium presentations.
Whether you’re presenting your work or exploring new ideas, this is your chance to connect, collaborate and get inspired.
Young Scientist Internship
The Young Scientist Internship is a hands-on research program for motivated high school students interested in medicine, health care, science and research.
You’ll actively contribute to a research project alongside DMU faculty mentors, build meaningful skills, strengthen your academic portfolio and present your work at the Young Scientist Program Symposium in November.
Innovation Tank
DMU’s Innovation Tank is an annual team‑based competition that brings students, faculty and staff together to develop creative solutions to real‑world health care challenges.
Interdisciplinary teams pitch ideas to a panel of judges and a live audience, with winning projects earning funding and support to move their innovations forward.
“Our teams are advancing work that directly addresses real-world health challenges and expands our role in discovery and innovation.
Our growing research enterprise is generating new knowledge and driving meaningful impact in health care.”
Pravin Mishra, PhD, MBA
Chief Research Officer
Cutting-Edge Facilities
DMU is home to state‑of‑the‑art laboratories and specialized tools that empower investigators to ask big questions — and answer them. Using advanced capabilities such as electrophysiology, multi‑probe intracellular imaging and biosensor development, our researchers push the boundaries of what’s possible in biomedical science.
Wet Lab and Shared Resource Facility
Provides advanced laboratory space and shared research technologies to support studies in cancer, cardiology, neuroscience, microbiology, pharmacology and translational science.
Anatomy and Paleo Lab
Supports research and education in anatomical sciences, comparative biology and paleontology through hands-on study and analysis.
Applied Analytics and Innovation Center
Collaborative AI and machine learning research hub focused on data-driven health care and biomedical innovation.
Health and Human Performance Center
State-of-the-art facility dedicated to human movement, exercise physiology, rehabilitation and performance optimization research.
Research News and Findings
DMU is earning national attention as one the nation’s leading medicine and health sciences universities. Discover how our graduate programs and supportive community help prepare tomorrow’s health care heroes for meaningful health care careers.
DMU Professor and Physical Therapist Earns Prestigious APTA Outstanding Research Award
DMU professor and physical therapist Shane McClinton, PT, DPT’07, PhD, earned the American Physical Therapy Association’s 2026 Outstanding Research Award.
Des Moines University Young Scientist Internship Receives Microsoft Investment to Expand Student Research Opportunities
DMU welcomed high school students to campus for the orientation of its inaugural Young Scientist Internship program, launching a summer of hands-on research experiences made possible in part through an investment from Microsoft.
DMU Research Identifies New Strategy to Strengthen Cancer-Fighting Immune Cells
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences faculty member Elitsa Ananieva, PhD, has led a study that could help improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies by enhancing the ability of the body’s T cells to sustain their fight against cancer.