Bonnie Gunn removing samples from a freezer.
Research
Discovery and Innovation
Our scientists conduct research to improve the health of animals and people.

Research

At the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine, research conducted by our scientists in neuroscience, microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics provides the basis for the development of medical technologies, therapies, vaccines, and medications. We also conduct research in epidemiology, infectious disease, integrative physiology, and veterinary clinical and translational sciences that improve public and animal health.

Research spending icon

$42.3 million in research spending

Ranked 4th in total research expenditures among 33 veterinary colleges by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. More than half is spent on infectious disease research.

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$31.1 million in research grant funding

From state, federal, and private funds.

Commercialization

1st in CDC research funding

Ranked 1st in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention research funding among 33 veterinary colleges by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges.

Research Ranking

3rd in federal research funding

Ranked 3rd in total federal research funding among 33 veterinary colleges by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges.

Meet our researchers


Bioinformatics and Data Management Hub

The college’s bioinformatics initiative provides the university community with biocomputational support, data analysis, and data visualization solutions. Computational support and tools range from the latest single-cell and machine-learning approaches to unique web tools for data visualization through the initiative’s Data Hub.

Interconnected network


Center for Reproductive Biology

One of the largest reproductive biology centers in the world

Core laboratories serve the greater WSU community in gene editing, cell sorting, and DNA sequencing. The center provides opportunities for investigators from across the Pacific Northwest to collaborate and learn from one another.


College Research Symposium

The annual event showcases research by our undergraduate, graduate, and professional veterinary medical students, postdoctoral researchers, and veterinary residents and interns. During the symposium the college also recognizes excellence in research with a keynote address by the Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence faculty recipient.

Next Research Symposium is October 2024
Student in front of poster
College of Veterinary Medicine Research Symposium at Washington State University in Pullman. (College of Veterinary Medicine/Ted S. Warren)

Student research opportunities

ESTEEMED MIRA 

National Institutes of Health-funded opportunities for undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds
Alexandra, in a lab coat, recording data.

MARC

National Institutes of Health-funded opportunities for undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds
Student displaying poster

Research Exposition

WSU’s poster session and scholarship competition for graduate and professional students
Student explaining research on their research poster to attendees of the 2023 SURCA event.

SURCA 

WSU’s Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

Federal Excess Personal Property Program

The College of Veterinary Medicine is a participant in the Federal Excess Personal Property Program, which gives our researchers the opportunity to secure lab and project equipment from the federal government on loan and at substantially reduced costs. This allows our researchers to stretch their grant money further and to obtain items ranging from microscopes and centrifuges to vehicles and medical equipment often for just the cost of shipping and a staff support fee.


Research news


Research in the news


College & WSU research awards


Support biomedical research

Discoveries by our biomedical researchers are the foundation for medical innovations that prevent and treat diseases in people and animals. 

Questions about giving? Contact Lynne Haley or 509-335-5021.