Research

Improving health in Indiana and beyond

Research at Indiana University School of Nursing makes an impact where it matters most—for families and their loved ones here in Indiana and across the globe. We have championed nurse-led research since our founding in 1914, successfully generating and applying scientific knowledge to improve health. Since 2017, we have been awarded over $33 million in external research funding.

Our researchers are innovative—designing tools and interventions that improve the quality and efficacy of care and create healthier outcomes for patients, as well as curriculum that enhances the delivery of education for nurses around the world. Our work addresses patients across the lifespan—from prevention and education for healthy populations to chronic illness management to palliative and end-of-life care.

An environment where research can thrive

We offer strong internal support to our researchers as they seek sources of funding. And our nationally recognized community partnerships offer opportunities for collaborative practice, including academic research grants and shared participation in evidence-based practice leadership and initiatives. We also have four research centers focused on improving the quality of health and life and a strong affiliation with the RESPECT Center.

Office of Research Support (ORS)

ORS is here to help IUSON’s researchers develop and carry out research and scholarly activities, advancing clinical and educational science and ultimately improving health. We offer educational programs, disseminate funding announcements, and provide expert consultation.

We can help you develop your ideas, create an action plan, plan and complete data analysis, and format and proof your finished products. We have content, topic, statistical, and editorial experts to help you at every point in your journey.

Pre-award services include application planning and development, budget preparation, analysis consultation, and comprehensive submission guidance including application formatting, review of agency guidelines, biosketch preparation, collection of letters of support, and assistance in writing about available institutional resources. We can also help you respond to reviewer comments prior to resubmission.

Once you are funded, we can help with announcing your award, preparing press releases, hiring personnel, interpreting funding agency and university policies, and other regulatory, operational, and fiscal aspects of project management.

Addressing the needs of adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

One-fifth of older adults experiences some form of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), which puts them at greater risk of losing their quality of life. Dr. Yvonne Lu, professor at IU School of Nursing's IUPUI campus, has developed and pilot-tested the Daily Engagement in Meaningful Activity (DEMA) intervention for MCI patients and their family caregivers—a strengths-based, positive health approach that builds on existing interpersonal skills and values. Dr. Lu is now conducting a $2.1M National Institute for Nursing Research-funded full-scale test of this supportive intervention, which aims to slow declines in functional performance and improve depressive symptoms in MCI patients, as well as to reduce the burden on caregivers.

Dozens of research programs are underway right now

Project: Midwest Nursing Research Society- Instrumental Activities of Daily Living among Patients with Heart Failure: Testing a Theoretical Model. End Date: December 2024

Project: Interdisciplinary Training in Cancer Prevention and Control (T32CA117865). End Date: August 2027

Project: Implementing evidence based colorectal cancer screening in rural clinics (1R01CA276659). End Date: August 2027

Project: Using Simulation to Assess Drug Calculations and Medication Administration Safety.
Sigma Theta Tau International, Alpha Chapter. End Date: December 2023

Project: Medication Adherence Given Individual systemChange™ In Advancing Nephropathy (MAGICIAN) Pilot Study.
National Institute of Nursing Research. End Date: July 2024

Project: Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) Foundation- Validity and Feasibility of Affect Measures and Accelerometer Use in Older Adult Farmers to Improve Physical Activity. End Date: September 2024

Project: A Nursing Home Pragmatic Clinical Trial of APPROACHES (Aligning Patient Preferences: a Role Offering Alzheimer's patient, Caregivers, and Healthcare providers Education and Support.
National Institute on Aging (R33). End Date: August 2023

Project: Virtual Reality and Computerized Cognitive Intervention for Mild Cognitive Impairment in Heart Failure.
National Institute on Aging. End Date: May 2027

Project: Use of Public Deliberation in Diverse Communities to Improve Consent Processes for Clinical Research.
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) (ME-2018C3-14766). End Date: March 2025

Project: Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions (ATN) Scientific
Leadership Center (UM2HD111102). End Date: November 2029

Project: National Palliative Care Research Center (NPCRC)- A Pilot Study of a Sequential, Rapid Triadic Communication Intention Elicitation Intervention (PRECurSOr) to Improve Supportive Oncology Care Delivery during Outpatient Encounters Among Patients and Caregivers Experiencing Transitions in the Advanced.” End Date: June 2025

Project: Symptom Clusters in Adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. End Date: March 2024

Project: UCB PHARMA. End Date: July 2022

Project: SBIRT Dissemination: A Phased Cluster Approach Across Five Regions in IUHealth System. End Date: October 2023

 

Proje

Project: Biologic Mechanisms and Dosing of Active Music Engagement to Manage Acute Treatment Distress and Improve Health Outcomes in Young Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Parents.
National Institute of Nursing Research (R01). End Date: June 2024

Project: Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) Global- VICTOR RABINOWITCH MEMORIAL AWARD FOR YOUNG LEADERS IN INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION. End Date: May 2024

Project: Midwest Nursing Research Society Foundation (MNRS)- Feasibility of measuring real-time fatigue and physical activity in assisted living residents with diverse levels of physical function. End Date: April 2024

Project: Sigma Theta Tau International, Alpha Chapter-Feasibility of measuring real-time fatigue and physical activity in assisted living residents with diverse levels of physical function. End Date: May 2024

Research opportunities for students

Our students make important and valuable contributions to research through undergraduate honors programs. As Traditional track IUPUI or IU Bloomington BSN students, you may gain experience in research, evidence-based practice (EBP), and dissemination of scholarly work, working alongside experienced faculty researchers when you participate in honors options.

The collection and interpretation of real-world, on-site data is central to our graduate programs. Our PhD students are linked with faculty researchers who provide supportive mentoring throughout their entire program.

Learn about research on each campus