# Research & Creativity
**Source**: https://admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/research-and-creativity
**Parent**: https://admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/
## CMU transforms the world through discovery and expression.
Since our founding in 1900, Carnegie Mellon University students and faculty have used creativity and ingenuity to drive cross-disciplinary breakthroughs.
## Field-Defining Contributions
From [developing robots that inspect hazardous environments](https://www.nrec.ri.cmu.edu/solutions/energy/sensabot-inspection-robot.html) to [composing musicals](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2024/april/from-playground-to-broadway), our researchers and artists challenge conventional thinking. See how CMU’s brilliant minds, world-class facilities and collaborative culture help increase human knowledge and enhance lives around the world.
Robotics Innovation
The number of robots that call our [Robotics Institute](https://www.ri.cmu.edu/) home. Get to know bots like Andy 2, FRIDA and more.
Ethics in Artificial Intelligence
## Responsible Innovation
[As the birthplace of AI](https://ai.cmu.edu/research-and-policy-impact/history-of-ai-at-cmu), CMU understands the need to design and deploy this powerful technology responsibly. With brilliant minds, state-of-the-art facilities and interdisciplinary partnerships, we chart an AI strategy that will lead to a more just and equitable world.
Startups Created
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CMU's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment have enabled the launch of over [400 startups and spinoffs](https://www.cmu.edu/swartz-center-for-entrepreneurship/), including Duolingo, Modcloth and Accel Partners.
World-Class Facilities
## Crafting Collaboration
[IDeATe facilities](https://ideate.cmu.edu/index.html) offer collaborative maker spaces, including multiple fabrication labs, a physical computing lab and a versatile black box theater.
Drama Kings & Queens
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CMU awarded the first U.S. [drama degree](https://www.drama.cmu.edu/programs/) in 1914, starting a legacy as leaders in the performing arts. In fact, our alumni have won [66 Tony Awards](https://admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/about/rankings-and-awards).
## CMU Research News
Mar 16, 2026
### [CMU Research Builds on Pittsburgh’s Energy Legacy To Advance Microreactor Innovation](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/march/cmu-research-builds-on-pittsburghs-energy-legacy-to-advance-microreactor-innovation)
Mar 13, 2026
### [CMU Professor Uses Data to Connect Energy Assistance with Those in Need](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/march/cmu-professor-uses-data-to-connect-energy-assistance-with-those-in-need)
Mar 12, 2026
### [Income of High-Skill Workers Growing in Rural Areas, Student Research on ‘Brain Drain’ Finds](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/march/income-of-high-skill-workers-growing-in-rural-areas-student-research-on-brain-drain-finds)
Mar 05, 2026
### [Tapeworms Inspire Medical Device Created During Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/march/tapeworms-inspire-medical-device-created-during-summer-undergraduate-research-fellowship)
Feb 27, 2026
### [Pennsylvania Invests in CMU Project to Advance Physical AI Innovation](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/february/pennsylvania-invests-in-cmu-project-to-advance-physical-ai-innovation)
Feb 26, 2026
### [SURF Project Scales New Heights in Rescue Robotics](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/february/surf-project-scales-new-heights-in-rescue-robotics)
Feb 25, 2026
### [Neurosurgeons Are Really Good at Removing Brain Tumors, and They’re About To Get Even Better](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/february/neurosurgeons-are-really-good-at-removing-brain-tumors-and-theyre-about-to-get-even-better)
Feb 25, 2026
### [CMU Health Startups That Could Improve Patient Care](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/february/cmu-health-startups-that-could-improve-patient-care)
Feb 25, 2026
### [How CMU Built a World-Leading Robotics Ecosystem](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/february/how-cmu-built-a-world-leading-robotics-ecosystem)
Feb 23, 2026
### [CMU’s Robotics Innovation Center Secures FieldAI as Inaugural Corporate Tenant](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/february/cmus-robotics-innovation-center-secures-fieldai-as-inaugural-corporate-tenant)
Feb 17, 2026
### [Five CMU Faculty Members Named 2026 Sloan Research Fellows](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/february/five-cmu-faculty-members-named-2026-sloan-research-fellows)
Feb 09, 2026
### [Carnegie Mellon Researchers Rethink Chronic Pain](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/february/carnegie-mellon-researchers-rethink-chronic-pain)
Feb 05, 2026
### [Frozen on the Ice: The Brain Science Behind Perfect Olympic Timing](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/february/frozen-on-the-ice-the-brain-science-behind-perfect-olympic-timing)
Feb 04, 2026
### [CMU Student Database is the Secret Weapon for Federal Chip Oversight](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/february/cmu-student-database-is-the-secret-weapon-for-federal-chip-oversight)
Feb 03, 2026
### [SURF Student’s AI Kitchen Tracker Aimed at Empowering Older Adults](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/february/surf-students-ai-kitchen-tracker-aimed-at-empowering-older-adults)
Jan 30, 2026
### [As AI-Generated Music Advances, Humans Still Lead in Creativity, CMU Research Finds](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/january/as-ai-generated-music-advances-humans-still-lead-in-creativity-cmu-research-finds)
Jan 15, 2026
### [Breakthrough in RNA Research Could Lead to Treatment for Neuromuscular Disorders](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/january/breakthrough-in-rna-research-could-lead-to-treatment-for-neuromuscular-disorders)
Jan 13, 2026
### [David Badre To Lead Carnegie Mellon’s Neuroscience Institute](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/january/david-badre-to-lead-carnegie-mellons-neuroscience-institute)
Jan 12, 2026
### [What a Virtual Zebrafish Can Teach Us About Autonomous AI](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/january/what-a-virtual-zebrafish-can-teach-us-about-autonomous-ai)
Jan 12, 2026
### [Intergenerational Art Builds Bridges to Community Through SURF Project](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/january/intergenerational-art-builds-bridges-to-community-through-surf-project)
Jan 06, 2026
### [Teaching a Robot To Hang a T-shirt Starts With Data](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2026/january/teaching-a-robot-to-hang-a-t-shirt-starts-with-data)
Dec 19, 2025
### [SURF Project Bridges Data Divides in Health Care](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2025/december/surf-project-bridges-data-divides-in-health-care)
Dec 19, 2025
### [Mixing Lab Rigor with Real Life, CMU Researchers Craft New Recipe for Groundbreaking Alcohol Studies](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2025/december/mixing-lab-rigor-with-real-life-cmu-researchers-craft-new-recipe-for-groundbreaking-alcohol-studies)
Dec 19, 2025
### [Alcoholism Study Grants SURF Student Entry Point Into Psychology Research](https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2025/december/alcoholism-study-grants-surf-student-entry-point-into-psychology-research)
Show More Articles
## Leading the World in Doing AI Work that Matters
CMU spearheads AI innovation and solutions through our multidisciplinary approach, integrating the latest technologies with ethics at every level. See how our AI work doesn't just advance technology — it benefits humanity.
[AI at CMU](https://ai.cmu.edu/research-and-policy-impact)
## Creativity Is at Our Core
CMU’s visionaries redefine artistic norms by fusing technology with creative research and expression, from staging renowned performances to crafting avant-garde installations that provoke new perspectives.
Blending the boundaries of the physical and digital, extended reality and machine learning help train skilled workers in creative arts and manufacturing.
Expanding the landscape of instrumental performance, fusing video, live musical performance and pre-recorded and edited music.
Shifting the architectural design paradigm from a sustainable to a more regenerative practice.
Exploring the creative and technical fringes of theater production and design.
## Centers & Institutes
With more than 100 CMU research centers and institutions, our students tackle complex challenges across a broad range of interests and industries. This curated selection showcases a few of the pioneering hubs where we work to solve real-world problems.
[View More Centers and Institutes](https://admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/research-and-creativity/centers-and-institutes)
[### The Block Center](https://www.cmu.edu/block-center/)
Studies how AI and similar technologies may reshape the future of work and be harnessed for social good.
[### Scott Institute](https://energy.cmu.edu/)
Focused on developing and demonstrating the technologies, systems, and policies needed to accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable future.
[### Gelfand Center for Service Learning & Outreach](https://www.cmu.edu/gelfand/)
Works to strengthen STEM education for K-12 students through faculty/student outreach, teacher training, tutoring and on-campus activities.
[### Institute for Strategy & Technology](https://www.cmu.edu/cmist/)
Researches the political, ethical, social and economic impacts of emerging technologies, such as AI and cybersecurity, through cross-disciplinary partnerships.
[### Neuroscience Institute](https://www.cmu.edu/ni/)
Drives neural science breakthroughs, integrating neuroscience, psychology and computing. Past innovations include cognitive tutors and Watson.
[### The Humanities Center](https://www.cmu.edu/dietrich/humanities-center/)
Champions interdisciplinary humanities research and teaching through lectures, conferences and public events to demonstrate the vital role of the humanities at CMU.
## Research and Creative Opportunities
Engage your creative and analytical mind through our numerous programs and resources.
### $ 4,500
Our Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program pays you to do research. Learn about [undergraduate research opportunities](https://www.cmu.edu/uro/index.html).
### 100 +
[Research centers and institutes](https://admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/research-and-creativity/centers-and-institutes) addressing a broad range of interests and industries.
### $ 1,500
The C.G. Douglas “Wrong Way” Corrigan Summer Travel Fellowship provides up to $1,500 for a summer travel project to a student in the School of Art.
## Meet the VP for Research
[The Office of the Vice President for Research](https://www.cmu.edu/research-office/) leads CMU’s research endeavors, fostering collaboration across disciplines and providing comprehensive support services for faculty, students and staff.
- [Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP)](https://www.cmu.edu/osp/)
- [Office of Research Integrity and Compliance (ORIC)](https://www.cmu.edu/research-compliance/)
- [Center for Technology Transfer and Enterprise Creation](https://www.cmu.edu/cttec/)
- [Office of Government Relations](https://www.cmu.edu/govrel/)
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## Research at Carnegie Mellon
Explore how CMU's colleges and schools lead the charge to a better future through innovative research.
- [College of Engineering](https://engineering.cmu.edu/research/index.html)
- [College of Fine Arts](https://www.cmu.edu/cfa/research-and-creative-practice/index.html)
- [Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy](https://www.heinz.cmu.edu/faculty-research/research-centers)
- [Dietrich College of Humanities & Social Sciences](https://www.cmu.edu/dietrich/about/research/research-centers/)
- [Mellon College of Science](https://www.cmu.edu/mcs/research/)
- [School of Computer Science](https://www.cs.cmu.edu/research/)
- [Tepper School of Business](https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/faculty-and-research/centers/)