The public walking through Subsurface: an interactive exhibition where art meets music in an underground mine.

Research & Creativity

Field-Defining Contributions

Since our founding in 1900, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) students and faculty have used creativity and ingenuity to drive cross-disciplinary breakthroughs. From developing robots that inspect hazardous environments to composing musicals, our researchers and artists challenge conventional thinking. See how CMU’s brilliant minds, world-class facilities and collaborative culture help increase human knowledge and enhance lives around the world.

Iris Rover

Robotics Innovation

The number of robots that call our Robotics Institute home. Get to know bots like Andy 2, FRIDA and more.

World-Class Facilities

Robotics Innovation Center

Today, we’re leading with a new cutting-edge facility with specialized labs and testing grounds to accelerate the future of research and development.

Calibrace+ inventor Courtney Williamson.

Startups Created

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CMU's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment have enabled the launch of over 400 startups and spinoffs, including Duolingo, Modcloth and Accel Partners.

Ethics in Artificial Intelligence

Responsible Innovation

As the birthplace of AI, CMU understands the need to design and deploy this powerful technology responsibly. With brilliant minds, state-of-the-art facilities and interdisciplinary partnerships, we chart an AI strategy that will lead to a more just and equitable world.

Two women on stage, holding parasols, surrounded by surreal floating windows.

Drama Kings & Queens

The year we first awarded a drama degree — the first in the U.S. — and the start of a legacy as leaders in the performing arts. In fact, our alumni have won 64 Tony Awards.

CMU Research News

Student and professor, working at a table on the physical component to an AI project.

Leading the World in Doing AI Work that Matters

CMU spearheads AI innovation and solutions through our multidisciplinary approach, integrating the latest technologies with ethics at every level. See how our AI work doesn't just advance technology — it benefits humanity.

Centers & Institutes

With more than 100 CMU research centers and institutions, our students tackle complex challenges across a broad range of interests and industries. This curated selection showcases a few of the pioneering hubs where we work to solve real-world problems.

 

View All Centers and Institutes

Two people stand in a hallway talking near a banner for the Block Center for Technology and Society

The Block Center

Studies how AI and similar technologies may reshape the future of work and be harnessed for social good.

A man speaking at a podium for a Simon Initiative lecture

The Simon Initiative

Conducts research into improving how students learn engineering both at CMU and around the world by creating a learning-engineering ecosystem.

Several people watching as a young girl pushes a cart holding machines

Gelfand Center for Service Learning & Outreach

Works to strengthen STEM education for K-12 students through faculty/student outreach, teacher training, tutoring and on-campus activities.

Audrey Cronin standing at a podium in front of a CMIST banner

Institute for Strategy & Technology

Researches the political, ethical, social and economic impacts of emerging technologies, such as AI and cybersecurity, through cross-disciplinary partnerships.

Two people looking at a brain scan on a computer with an MRI machine in the background

Neuroscience Institute

Drives neural science breakthroughs, integrating neuroscience, psychology and computing. Past innovations include cognitive tutors and Watson.

A woman standing at a podium in front of a Humanities Center banner

The Humanities Center

Champions interdisciplinary humanities research and teaching through lectures, conferences and public events to demonstrate the vital role of the humanities at CMU.

Research and Creative Opportunities

Engage your creative and analytical mind through our numerous programs and resources.

$ 4500

Our Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program pays you to do research. Learn about undergraduate research opportunities.

80 +

The CMU Rales Fellows program provides fully-funded fellowships and resources to exceptional, under-resourced graduate students in STEM.

$ 1500

The C.G. Douglas “Wrong Way” Corrigan Summer Travel Fellowship provides up to $1,500 for a summer travel project to a student in the School of Art.

Meet the VP for Research

The Office of the Vice President for Research leads CMU’s research endeavors, fostering collaboration across disciplines and providing comprehensive support services for faculty, students and staff.


Research at Carnegie Mellon

Explore how CMU's colleges and schools lead the charge to a better future through innovative research.