Research at RWU

A Culture of Research, Scholarship and Creativity

Students collaborate with faculty, perform independent research in labs and in the field, compete for grant funding, publish papers, present at conferences, compete in regional and national academic challenges, work on community-engaged research projects, and more.

student feeds clown fish in wet lab

Marine and Biological Research

RWU Faculty, staff, and students are deeply engaged with research at the cutting edge of biology and marine science and technology as well as legal and policy issues around marine affairs. Many of these activities are externally sponsored through research grants from government agencies and departments, private foundations, and corporations.  The science and policy have impact on local, regional, and national interests in sustainability, economics, and society.

Recent Marine and Biological Publications
students teach 4th graders to build wind turbines

Sustainability and Environmental Research

As a cross-cutting research area, sustainability and environmental research is conducted throughout the University in its schools, centers, and University college.  Faculty and students work on problems across a range of disciplines including architecture, engineering, construction management, business, law, politics, and culture.  These efforts continue to grow to meet the important needs of our ecology and environment in the 21st century.

Recent Sustainability and Environmental Publications
Teacher points at interactive wall of screens

Innovation and Technology Research

Opportunities for innovation and technology research are becoming increasingly available at RWU.  There is an entrepreneurial spirit throughout the University to solve problems using innovative solutions to technical problems, social needs, or educational challenges.  Projects include open educational resources, cybersecurity programs, maker spaces, and virtual learning.

Recent Innovation and Technology Publications
sheriff hat sits in court

Law and Justice Studies Research

At RWU, research in the area of law and justice studies ranges from civil liberties, constitutional law, national security, international trade, indigenous people’s law, interviewing and interrogation, smart policing initiatives, and reducing gun violence through integrated evidence sharing. Undergraduate and graduate students work with Faculty investigators on these projects, several funded externally including the Department of Justice and state and local police agencies.

Recent Law and Justice Studies Publications
A student is interviewed on their public humanities research

Public Humanities and Arts Research

Faculty, students, and staff across disciplines at RWU are engaged in public humanities and arts projects that make underrepresented stories and groups in our region, our country, and around the globe. These investigations have inclusive narratives that include the spoken, the written, the visual, the theatrical, and the embodied. Projects have ranged from “Hidden Truths: Stories of Race and Place Lecture Series” to “Providence Truth and Reconciliation Process” to “Rhode Island Slave History Medallion Project Research.”

Recent Public Humanities and Arts Publications

Resources

Roger Williams University is committed to an environment in which research and creativity are integrally related to quality teaching at all levels. The University provides significant resources and administrative support to create active research programs.

Research Compliance Information

Research Information for Faculty

Research Information for Students

Research Resources

Human Subjects Review Board

The HSRB at Roger Williams University (RWU) protects individuals who participate in research conducted at the university or as sponsored by a member of the RWU community. We also offer resources and consultation to students, staff, and faculty conducting research with human participants.

HSRB Information

Office of Research and Sponsored Programs

The Office of Institutional Advancement and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs work with faculty and staff to secure external foundation and government grants.

Grant Resource Center

Undergraduate Fellowships and Research

RWU provides extensive guidance for undergraduate students seeking a range of prestigious fellowships. Fellowships are awards offered by organizations outside of RWU. Many provide significant financial support as well as invaluable opportunities to enhance your research, academic goals, and career plans.

Undergraduate Fellowships

Recent Articles by RWU Researchers

Innovation and Technology Research

Justice Studies Research

Marine and Biological Research

Public Humanities and Arts Research

Sustainability and Environmental Research

Feature Stories