Centers and Institutes

Eastern Michigan University encourages the creation of Centers and Institutes that offer unique contributions and services. These organized research units enhance the University's educational mission with interdisciplinary, problem-focused research. According to Board Policy 2.4, EMU Centers and Institutes promote collaboration with external partners, often with applied research projects that attract funding, or by providing service and training pertinent to area interests. The Associate Vice Provost and Assistant Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research oversees their procedures.

• Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CFE) Expand dropdown
  EMU's Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CFE) enhances the culture of entrepreneurship and innovation within EMU and the surrounding community.  At EMU, CFR supports strong entrepreneurship curriculum and offers a variety of co-curricular programs. The CFE encourages regional entrepreneurship in SE Michigan by offering mentorship and coaching services, and supporting EMU students and faculty in innovation, business creation, and growth.
• Center for Health Disparities Innovations and Studies (CHDIS) Expand dropdown
  The Center for Health Disparities Innovations and Studies (CHDIS) at Eastern Michigan University aims to improve the lives of communities by reducing health disparities existing amongst diverse and minority populations in the state of Michigan.
• Center for Oral History Research (COHR) Expand dropdown
  Housed within EMU Archives, the Center for Oral History Research records authentic life histories, documents events, and unique memories of our time.  Through community outreach and partnerships, COHR provides public programming and teaches best practices for archival research.
• Institute for Geospatial Research and Education (IGRE) Expand dropdown
  The Institute of Geospatial Research and Education (IGRE) at Eastern Michigan University has a longstanding tradition of developing pioneering research methodologies, advanced technologies, and practical applications in the fields of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) to address contemporary challenges. IGRE has worked regionally and statewide to incorporate GIS education and credentialing into high school curriculum.
• Jiu-Hwa Lo Upshur Institute for Civic Education (UICE) Expand dropdown
  The Jiu-Hwa Lo Upshur Institute for Civic Education (UICE) promotes innovative methods of teaching and learning in history and social studies. The UICE investigates and tests new ways to apply and adapt approaches to history and social studies teacher training courses at EMU; and helps foster a new generation of informed and engaged citizens and innovative educators at the high school and college levels for the benefit of students in Michigan and beyond. 
• Robert Thomson Center for the Advancement of Neurobehavioral Health (RT-CANH) Expand dropdown
  Established in 2020, the Robert Thomson Center for the Advancement of Neurobehavioral Health (RT-CANH) mission is to promote research, training, and clinical service delivery related to neurobehavioral health across the lifespan.

If you are interested in learning more about research through EMU’s centers and institutes, please contact the Director of EMU’s Office of Research Development and Administration.

If you are an EMU faculty or staff member who is interested in establishing a new Center or Institute, please use this document [PDF] to guide you in preparing your application.