Marquette University Committee on Research releases statement on scholarship and research at Marquette

The Marquette University Committee on Research has released a new statement emphasizing the essential role that scholarship and research play in advancing knowledge, transforming education and serving the greater good.

A Statement Supporting the Value of Scholarship and Research at Marquette University says faculty and student research across disciplines reflects the university's Jesuit mission and strengthens its national reputation for excellence.

Committee members write that they have the privilege of witnessing firsthand how research "advances the search for truth, produces novel discoveries and enhances knowledge across many disciplines." They emphasize that Marquette scholarhip not only generates innovation but also gives back locally and globally, reinforcing the importance of continued investment in faculty and student research.

1. Marquette scholarship advances knowledge

Marquette scholars are working to:

• Increase food access and protect natural resources
• Foster critical reflection on technological and cultural changes
• Develop new methods for cancer screening, therapeutics and rehabilitation
• Interpret theological, philosophical and literary texts that ground moral decision-making
• Address the causes and consequences of economic and social inequality
• Engineer novel biomaterials and provide recommendations for evidence-based dental care
• Investigate causes of neurodegeneration, mental health disorders and addiction
• Innovate with interdisciplinary teams to gather cosmic rays, improve diagnosis and save lives

Marquette scholarship and research accomplishments:

• Marquette research has received a high research Carnegie classification
• Our faculty include 18 Fulbright recipients and many widely cited scientists
• Marquette faculty have started > 15 new companies, with strengths in engineering and health
• Marquette faculty provide historical and legal discourse in local and national media outlets
• In 2024, Marquette research received $22M from external funds, a 58% increase over 10 years

2. Marquette scholarship provides transformative educational opportunities

Marquette students are working with faculty mentors to:

• Integrate interdisciplinary perspectives to enhance cancer detection
• Provide local histories and perspectives on Milwaukee culture
• Pitch new student-led ventures and work with the local business community
• Engage with interdisciplinary teams to protect natural resources and detect black holes
• Evaluate medical screening data to provide better healthcare access
• Develop lunar robots in NASA's LUNABOTICS competition
• Win national competitions for research examining factors that enhance pollinator performance

Marquette supports scholars:

• Marquette supports more than 1,500 undergraduate scholars each year on campus
• > 10 Disciplinary Honors and > 20 other intensive research programs
• > 50 MU4Gold scholars and > 500 McNair scholars
• Marquette annually trains more than 60 PhD, 700 masters, and 350 other professional scholars
• This is a 15% increase in advanced degrees conferred in last 5 years relative to previous 5

3. Marquette scholarship advances social good

Marquette scholars:

• Elevate student voices to empower and improve engagement in public schools
• Coordinate research, programming, education and outreach efforts to improve the lives of people on the autism spectrum and their families
• Advance infant care by studying preterm birth stress
• Address economic costs and other barriers to healthcare
• Enhance access and protect our natural resources
• Combine historical and digital tools to create an interactive virtual map of Milwaukee

Marquette leads in service:

• Princeton Review has ranked Marquette #1 for community service in 2024.
• > 10 campus centers and organizations focused on community-engaged research
• Multiple centers fostering peace, human rights, support ecosystems, and social wellness
• 7 Marquette research communities devoted to social good
• Near West Side partnerships that create new community resources
• The MKE Roots project is shaping new visions for classroom instruction
• 6 MU Global Brigades chapters providing vital services to global communities

The committee concludes that research and teaching together sustain Marquette's mission by fostering discovery, service and community.

Data and reflections in this article were provided by the Marquette University Committee on Research. Read the full statement here.