Centers and Institutes

Pitt’s robust research initiatives include more than 150 active research centers and institutes. Within these, faculty from disciplines across the university collaborate to explore visionary ideas and conduct groundbreaking research. Our centers and institutes offer valuable points of engagement for community and industry partners, as well as experiential knowledge for students.

Explore our various centers and institutes below to learn more. Select a category from the drop-down menu.

Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership

The Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership promotes ethics and accountability in leadership through teaching, research and public service, preparing students for impactful roles in public and nonprofit sectors.

Visit the Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership

Learning Research and Development Center

The Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC) advances knowledge about the science of learning and improving education practice and opportunities for all.

Explore LRDC

Magee-Womens Research Institute

The Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI) leads research in reproductive biology and women’s health, addressing issues from fertility to cancer and promoting well-being across the female life span.

View MWRI

Magnetic Resonance Research Center

The Magnetic Resonance Research Center (MRRC) develops and applies magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy technologies for medical and biological research, including functional imaging of brain activity.

Explore MRRC

Manufacturing Assistance Center

The Manufacturing Assistance Center (MAC) transforms communities and supports regional manufacturers through workforce training, technology access and entrepreneurship in advanced manufacturing.

Learn more about MAC

Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation

The Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation (MCSI) fosters interdisciplinary education and research that develops solutions for environmental, economic and social challenges.

Visit MCSI

Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies

The Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies produces impartial research and trains future security analysts to address global threats like terrorism, extremism and geopolitical conflict.

View the Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies

McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine

The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine advances regenerative therapies through interdisciplinary research in tissue engineering, cellular therapies and medical devices.

Visit the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine

MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center

The MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center (MAAETC) builds clinical capacity and improves care for people with HIV through education, training and technical assistance across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Learn more about MAAETC

Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study

The Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study (MIDAS) advances infectious disease modeling to improve global preparedness and response through collaborative research, training and data sharing.

View MIDAS

Nationality Rooms Program and Intercultural Exchange

The Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs celebrate Pittsburgh’s cultures through historically stylized classrooms, educational programming and scholarships that promote intercultural understanding and global learning.

Visit the Nationality Rooms Program & Intercultural Exchange

Neuromuscular Research Laboratory & Warrior Human Performance Research Center

The Neuromuscular Research Laboratory (NMRL)/Warrior Human Performance Research Center enhance performance and prevent injury in athletes and military personnel through biomechanical, neuromuscular and physiological research in real-world and simulated environments.

Explore the NMRL & Warrior Human Performance Research Center