For more than two centuries, the University of Michigan has turned knowledge into progress for our nation. Our impact can be seen in breakthroughs in health and medicine, public service rooted in the common good, discoveries that explore new frontiers, and creative work that shapes our culture.
As America marks 250 years of independence, Michigan carries this tradition forward — advancing healthier communities, strengthening democracy, driving meaningful innovation, and contributing to a more vibrant American story.
Health & Medicine
U-M has advanced health and medicine through science, service, and discovery — from pioneering science-based medical education to developing the DPT vaccine and establishing the nation’s first department of human genetics. In 1954, U-M’s Dr. Thomas Francis Jr. led the landmark Salk polio vaccine field trials, and today Michigan’s top-ranked schools of public health and medicine continue that legacy through research in precision health, injury prevention, health equity, and healthier communities.
Learn more about Human Health & Well-Being
Public Service
As a founding principle, the University of Michigan has always strived to turn public service ideals into action — from pioneering professional training for municipal leaders to helping launch the Peace Corps. Today, that tradition continues through the top-ranked Ford School of Public Policy, the Ginsberg Center, Poverty Solutions, and Wolverines serving communities around the world, including alumnus Gerald R. Ford, who went on to become the 38th President of the United States.
Learn more about Democracy, Civic & Global Engagement
Discovery & Exploration
For generations, U-M has helped push the boundaries of American space exploration — from launching the nation’s first aerospace engineering program to preparing astronauts, advancing propulsion, and building instruments that have traveled from the outer planets to Mars. Wolverines have left their mark on NASA history, from Ed White’s first American spacewalk to the all-Michigan alumni crew of Apollo 15, and today U-M researchers and students continue that legacy through work supporting Artemis, Europa Clipper, Mars exploration, and the next era of discovery beyond Earth.
Learn more about Advanced Technology
Arts & Culture
From stage and screen to music, journalism, and literature, U-M alumni have captivated the American imagination. Wolverines including James Earl Jones, Arthur Miller, Gilda Radner, Mike Wallace, Jessye Norman, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul have created work that moves audiences and challenges ideas. Today our School of Music, Theatre & Dance has made Michigan one of the best-represented universities on Broadway, while our Hopwood Program and Wallace House Center for Journalists are known nationally for inspiring excellence in the next generation.
Learn more about Arts & Creative Expression
Education
Since 1817, the U-M has redefined public higher education as the first large-scale public research university with the nation’s first university-owned hospital, creating a model where students learn by doing, not just observing. Today, the top-ranked Marsal Family School of Education continues to prepare future educators to lead the next generation of learning through community partnerships, research-driven initiatives, and digital innovation.
Learn more about LIfe-Changing Education
Sustainability
U-M has long been a sustainability trailblazer — from pioneering environmental education through the School for Environment and Sustainability to sparking early environmental awareness with a landmark teach-in before the first Earth Day in 1970. That commitment continues today through the research of more than 800 faculty researchers, an internationally recognized solar car team, and award-winning campuswide efforts to advance carbon neutrality and renewable energy.
Learn more about Energy, Climate Action, Sustainability and Environmental Equity
Innovation
Since its founding, Michigan has turned discovery into progress — from early research in chemistry, bacteriology, and anatomy to pioneering work in the internet, computing, and autonomous vehicles. Today, that spirit of innovation continues through U-M’s powerful startup culture, ranking second nationally among universities in turning academic research into companies, with 673 new inventions and 31 startups launched in 2025 alone.
Learn more about Innovation, Partnerships, and Economic Development