LANSING, Mich. – The University Research Corridor, a driving force for innovation and economic growth in the state and Great Lakes region, announced Tuesday it has rebranded as Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M) — a move that reflects the alliance’s evolving mission, its growing impact across the state, and the addition of a new member: Michigan Technological University.

“The new name captures what has always been at the heart of this partnership: research universities working for Michigan,” said Britany Affolter-Caine, executive director of RU4M (left). “We’re expanding talent, research and innovation with a broader reach and deeper collaboration to grow our state’s economy, boost the competitiveness of our key industries, and better the lives and livelihoods of all Michiganders.”

Michigan Technological University, which was named a Carnegie R1 university earlier this year, officially joined RU4M in March. MTU now stands alongside Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University, completing a four-member coalition of top-tier public research institutions that serve as the backbone of Michigan’s innovation infrastructure and economy.

“This name change is about more than a rebrand — it’s about reaffirming our commitment to Michigan’s future,” said Kimberly Andrews Espy, president of Wayne State University and chair of RU4M’s executive board. “As Research Universities for Michigan, we are focused on solutions. We actively seek out opportunities to collaborate across institutions, industries and communities, because we know that’s what it takes to drive innovation and deliver real results for the people of our state.”

RU4M’s recent efforts highlight its commitment to collaboration and serving Michigan:

• Livable Futures Initiative: Earlier this month, RU4M convened over 100 researchers from its four universities to explore interdisciplinary solutions for water, sustainability, human health, and economic development. RU4M is now exploring next steps to seed promising ideas, aiming to develop long-term research projects addressing Michigan’s key challenges.
• Research Universities for Michigan Data Portfolio: To aid business attraction and growth, RU4M launched a data portfolio showcasing Michigan’s leadership in talent, research and innovation with compelling metrics and success stories. RU4M is also developing and publishing “regional snapshots” on this platform to increase awareness of local economies across the state.
• Strengthening Michigan’s Innovation Ecosystem: In partnership with Business Leaders For Michigan, RU4M is analyzing the state’s innovation ecosystem. The goal is to identify strategies that boost our national competitiveness and foster local entrepreneurial talent and new companies.

While the name is new, the alliance’s impact is longstanding. RU4M institutions conduct more than $3.1 billion in academic research annually — 93% of all academic R&D in the state. Together, they are shaping the future in critical fields like artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, life sciences and mobility.

“Research Universities for Michigan is more than a name. It’s a promise — to our students, our communities and our state,” Espy said. “Our universities are here to ensure that discovery, innovation and opportunity take root and thrive right here in Michigan.”

For more information, visit www.miresearchuniversities.org.