A tray of cultures held by a gloved hand in a lab

Since 2006, Northeastern University has dramatically expanded its research enterprise, with particular emphasis on three global imperatives: health, security and sustainability. Working intentionally across disciplines, Northeastern faculty members are focused on solving real problems in the world. Litmus tells the stories of these important accomplishments.

A multi-colored graphic with orange and blue text: "Digital Transgender Archive."

Award-winning Digital Transgender Archive makes often hidden yet sprawling trans history accessible

Society & Culture

February 28, 2023

Based at Northeastern, a free, online collection of more than 10,000 archival items stretches back to the 16th century and aims to highlight how trans people have always lived, survived and thrived.

Honors & Awards

Grants, fellowships, awards and other honors that recognize and support innovative research and world-class teaching.

Publications

Groundbreaking, inspiring research and scholarly work, including journal articles and books, published across disciplines.

Conferences & Events

Academic conferences convened by Northeastern faculty, and academic conferences where Northeastern faculty play key roles.

Press

Economist Logo

December 2, 2023

As mass testing ends, how will covid waves be tracked?

Amazon reviews of scented candles are one unlikely source of data

December 15, 2022

‘Snakes’ on the moon? These helpers could soon join our lunar mission.

NASA needs a small army of robots and rovers to help explore the moon’s treacherous terrain. A college competition produced some innovative ideas.

Logo for The Guardian
Logo for The Guardian

August 12, 2022

Can nature-based alternatives to seawalls keep the waves at bay?

Hard sea defenses prompted by extreme weather and rising sea levels can have unintended consequences down the coast – is there a better way?

October 25, 2021

New research shows how and when COVID-19 first spread to Massachusetts

Massachusetts had the third-highest rate of COVID-19 infections in the United States by July of last year, according to a Northeastern University study that modeled how the coronavirus emerged on the nation’s coasts but spread most rapidly in the Northeast in the first wave.

Logo for The Guardian
Logo for The Guardian

December 15, 2022

Americans bought at least 150m guns in decade since Sandy Hook shooting

Estimated number of US gun owners has grown by 20 million in recent years, which experts say may lead to more firearm deaths

The Washington Post Logo

September 2, 2022

When Driving, Tires Emit Pollution. And EVs Make the Problem Worse

A London startup’s device aims to capture tire emissions from cars, trucks, delivery vans and buses.

The Washington Post Logo

September 27, 2022

What are ultra-processed foods? What should I eat instead?

Ultra-processed foods are extra tasty concoctions that we eat every day. They are also linked with chronic diseases and a higher risk of early death.

October 4, 2022

When You Step Inside This Lab, You Must Whip It

By studying the movements of volunteers cracking bullwhips, scientists sought to understand the manipulation of nonrigid and wobbly objects.

Economist Logo

November 12, 2022

Better disposable coffee cups

They can be made with the waste from sugar cane