Research Makes America Safer

天美影视传媒 researchers are helping make America safer by protecting essential resources, preparing communities for natural hazards and strengthening the infrastructure that keeps people connected.

At the 天美影视传媒, safety starts with discovery.

Every day, UW researchers are making America safer 鈥� in hospitals, labs, forests, classrooms and beyond. With federal support, they鈥檙e tackling wildfires, earthquakes, traffic hazards and other urgent challenges. These breakthroughs don鈥檛 happen without federal investment. UW is one of the nation鈥檚 top public universities for federally funded research, and that support turns ideas into lifesaving solutions.

But this progress is vulnerable. Without sustained federal funding, safety innovations could stall 鈥� leaving communities with fewer tools, fewer protections and fewer solutions for the risks ahead.

Get alerts about threats to this important work

The United States is stronger when we invest in the future. But now, decades of investments are at risk.

听天美影视传媒 research in action听

Keeping our drinking water clean

Colchuck Lake, nestled within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Washington.

Federal protections that keep national forests roadless are being reconsidered, and UW research shows what could be at stake: clean drinking water for 25 million Americans.

See what the study found

Mapping America’s landslide risk

Aerial photo of 2007 that damaged Washington鈥檚 State Route 6 and several structures near the town of Pe Ell.

Landslides cause billions of dollars in damage each year. Federally funded UW research is now showing where 6.5 million Americans are most exposed, helping communities prepare and target resources where they鈥檙e needed most.

explore the new database

What wildfire researchers want you to know

Crews in Washington put out a wildfire

UW experts spend their careers studying wildfire behavior and smoke. They鈥檙e putting that research into practice with advice for tracking fires, preparing homes, navigating poor air quality and knowing when it鈥檚 time to leave.

get expert wildfire safety advice

Watching over the world鈥檚 first floating light rail crossing

Seattle's I-90 Homer Hadley Bridge from above

More than 150,000 people cross the I-90 bridge each day. Federally supported UW research is giving crews a real-time view of how the floating structure moves and responds, helping crews spot problems earlier and maintain a critical transportation link more safely.

Research saves lives 鈥� but only if we keep it going

The safety of everyday Americans depends on the kind of research happening right now at the 天美影视传媒. From early warning systems to inclusive education models, these projects are shaping a safer future for all of us. But they can鈥檛 continue without strong, sustained federal support.

When funding is uncertain, so is our ability to respond to disasters, protect underserved communities and innovate for the public good. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 critical to advocate for research funding. .

Research Makes America

These stories are part of Research Makes America 鈥� a 天美影视传媒 series showcasing the life-changing power of federally funded research. Learn more about why this research matters 鈥� and how you can help protect it.

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What's at stake without federally funded research