Frequently Asked Questions — Research

The DMU Office of Research supports research activities by helping faculty, staff and students start research projects, identify mentors, access resources, pursue funding opportunities and follow research compliance and safety requirements.

Students can get involved in research at Des Moines University by:

• Connecting with a faculty mentor
• Applying for the Mentored Student Research Program
• Enrolling in the Research Elective Course
• Exploring current research opportunities posted by the DMU Office of Research
• Participating in the Innovation Tank or the Research Symposium

The DMU Office of Research maintains a list of active faculty mentors and their research interests. Students can review this information, talk with their academic advisor or reach out directly to departments to identify a potential mentor.

You can contact the DMU Office of Research at Research@dmu.edu for questions about programs, enrollment, requirements, compliance or faculty mentors.

The Mentored Student Research Program is a competitive summer research program that allows DMU students to work closely with faculty mentors on research projects. The DMU Office of Research administers the program and manages applications, enrollment and training requirements.

Students must connect directly with a Des Moines University faculty mentor, complete a research agreement and have the mentor submit the application to the DMU Office of Research.

The Research Elective Course at DMU is a semester‑long, credit/no‑credit class that introduces students to hands‑on research experiences. Students enroll by completing required paperwork and training with support from the DMU Office of Research.

Training may include in‑person safety training, online safety and research training. The DMU Office of Research verifies training completion before approving enrollment in research courses or programs.

Yes. The DMU Office of Research provides guidance on grants, compliance, protocol submission, Institutional Review Board processes and other resources that support faculty and staff research activity.

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is designated as a Research Colleges and Universities institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, along with its longstanding Special Focus: Medical Schools and Centers Classification. The Research Colleges and Universities classification recognizes institutions that invest at least $2.5 million annually in research and development.

Research‑related stories, accomplishments and program updates are featured on DMU’s website, social media channels and through annual events like the DMU Research Symposium.

The Des Moines University Research Symposium is an annual event where students, faculty and staff present their research through posters or oral presentations. The DMU Office of Research coordinates the event and highlights the university’s research activity.

Students, faculty and staff can work directly with the DMU Office of Research to follow the correct submission process, ensure compliance and receive support with documentation and approvals.

DMU offers modern research facilities designed to support hands‑on, collaborative discovery in the health sciences. These environments allow students to actively participate in research that contributes to meaningful outcomes in health care and science.

The Innovation Tank is a team‑based competition that challenges students, faculty and staff to develop creative solutions to real‑world health care problems. Interdisciplinary teams pitch innovative ideas to judges and a live audience. Winning teams receive funding, resources and support to further develop their innovations.

DMU is home to three research centers — Applied Analytics and Innovation; Health and Human Performance; and Clinical and Translational Science — that focus on advancing knowledge in key areas of health and medicine. Each center brings together faculty, students and collaborators to address complex health challenges.