As America's leading Catholic research university, Notre Dame has long been at the forefront of finding answers to the most pressing questions facing our communities.
With our unique mission to be a force for good, Notre Dame researchers are making discoveries that make our nation healthier, safer, and more resilient.
Within this page, readers can find a few recent examples of how federally funded research at the University is generating the life-changing treatments, innovations, and breakthroughs that can improve the lives of all Americans.
Notre Dame researchers build a better field antenna for U.S. soldiers
Hypersonic flight research will bring U.S. to forefront of flight and air defense
To prevent opioid misuse in teens and young adults, researchers turn to AI and social media data
Intelligent solutions that save lives
Powering the search for new planetary systems
The electricity of a beating heart helps design a superior supercomputer
“As a premier global Catholic research university committed from its founding to being a force for good, our world-class scholars and researchers are studying and finding answers to some of our world's most challenging problems. No matter where you look across our campus, you will find research and learning that drives insights, innovation, and impact for good, as Notre Dame strives to heal, unify, and enlighten a world in need.”
- Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., University President and Professor of Political Science
Outsmarting antibiotic resistance to find a new way to fight MRSA
Preventing child abuse with proven interventions
Component of keto diet plus immunotherapy may reduce prostate cancer
Combating the opioid crisis

Making health monitors as easy as a temporary tattoo
New catheter prevents bacteria growth
Cancer therapies show promise in combating tuberculosis
Notre Dame researchers to develop electronic nose for rapid disease detection
Advanced encryption safeguards personal and government data even if stolen
Saving the human heart
“At Notre Dame, our researchers work to serve our nation in countless ways. They are developing innovations like semiconductor chips that are the backbone of our economy. They’re protecting us from emerging infectious diseases and formulating the next generation of wireless technology. They’re ensuring we have artificial intelligence that is safe and trustworthy. They are bringing people together and informing public debates. In these and other ways, they live out our mission to be a ‘powerful means for doing good in this country.’ And the strong partnership we’ve always had with the federal government has been key to this.”
- Jeff Rhoads, Vice President for Research and Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering