Research

Conducting research is only the beginning.

Research is a crucial aspect of what we do at West Virginia University. We’re breaking barriers in neuroscience, cancer, heart and vascular, oral care, substance use disorder, population health and other areas to help solve our state’s health problems. As an R1-designated research institution, we are among an elite group of schools across the country.

Breaking Barriers

Improving lives by pioneering advances in brain health — our Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute completed the world’s first clinical trial to investigate the use of focused ultrasound technology to treat opioid use disorder.

Inspired by Our State

WVU President Gordon Gee says West Virginia is a microcosm of the country — state with all the problems of the rest of the country, but with some of the brightest and hardest working people who can figure out ways to develop solutions to those problems. At WVU, this mission fuels everything we do, including the health problems West Virginians face.

We’re addressing West Virginia’s health concerns in everything we do — from developing alternative treatments and procedures that can lessen dependence on opioids; to how nurses communicate and interact with their patients; to being involved in communities for tobacco cessation programs.

Students Making a Difference

More than 15% of West Virginians suffer from diabetes, with countless undiagnosed. Quincy Hathaway's research examines the effect diabetes can have on the heart in the hopes of producing better treatments.