Advancing research, innovation, entrepreneurship and strategic partnerships at ASU
Knowledge Enterprise
We are changing the way the world solves problems.
Driving discovery, innovation and solutions
Knowledge Enterprise is the engine that drives discovery and innovation at Arizona State University, one of the fastest growing research institutions in the U.S. We empower researchers, forge partnerships, invest in our communities and pioneer interdisciplinary thinking. Our goal is not simply to find solutions, but to fundamentally reshape how the world solves problems.
News
Research matters
Research unlocks discoveries and creates opportunity. It develops new technologies and new ways of doing — discoveries that change the world and make America the world’s leading economic power.
ResearchDiscoveryInnovationImpact
ResearchDiscoveryInnovationImpact
Our impact
Arizona State University is a global leader in interdisciplinary research, discovery and development. Our rapid growth and top rankings demonstrate our success at delivering new knowledge and solutions that support thriving people, a thriving planet and thriving societies.
2025: Delivering innovation
ASU Knowledge Enterprise drives research that matters to you — whether that’s diagnosing diseases early, turning Arizona into the nation’s chip-churning powerhouse, making smart use of water in the desert or preparing a workforce with skills to shape the future.
$1.003 billion
ASU has expanded its research enterprise more than sixfold in the past 20 years, surpassing $1 billion in research expenditures in FY 2024.
268+ companies
More than 268 companies have launched based on ASU innovations, attracting $1.5 billion in external funding.
#1 in innovation
For the eleventh year in a row, U.S. News & World Report named ASU the most innovative school in the U.S. in its 2026 college rankings, ahead of MIT and Stanford.
Lab Coat Optional podcast
On Lab Coat Optional, host Pete Zrioka interviews ASU researchers at the forefront of their fields — minus the jargon. Leave your lab coat at the door and tune in to learn about the latest research from ASU.
Lab Coat Optional
Lab Coat Optional is the show where research is made relatable. Each episode, we dive into the research, the people behind it and why it matters. Tune in for smart, accessible conversations on the latest research from Arizona State University, released every other Wednesday.
We are a production of Knowledge Enterprise at ASU. Learn more at research.asu.edu.
The power — and limits — of labor action with Michael McQuarrie [BONUS]
Bonus episode!
You might’ve heard about a “shutdown” last week on January 30. Organizers urged people in the U.S. not to work, go to school or spend money at all to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement. But what is a shutdown, really? How is it different from a strike, or a protest — and what effect do these actions have?
In this bonus episode, sociologist and director of ASU’s Center for Work and Democracy Michael McQuarrie explains the significance of the labor action stemming from Minneapolis, and how it fits into the historical context of the American labor movement.
Disclaimer:
Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.
Further reading:
- Strike! by Jeremy Brecher
- Street Rebellion: Resistance Beyond Violence and Nonviolence by Benjamin Case
- Popular Contention in Great Britain by Charles Tilly
- Breaking the Barrier: The Rise of Solidarity in Poland by Lawrence Goodwin
The last two books are out of print and therefore quite expensive — check your local library!
Learn more about the Center for Work and Democracy at Arizona State University.
Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram and LinkedIn, or visit us at research.asu.edu.
Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice!
Get in touch with us at [email protected].
Episode credits
Executive produced by Kate Howells
Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka
Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka
Shot by Alexander Chapin
Edited by Alexander Chapin and Quinton Kendall
Original music from Patrick Cheung
Motion graphics by Andy Ramos
Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz
Editorial support from Diane Boudreau
Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson
![The power — and limits — of labor action with Michael McQuarrie [BONUS]](https://media.rss.com/lab-coat-optional/ep_cover_20260206_110209_d4402b39237f2fe734cff53aea9bc28b.png)
Search Results placeholder
Lab Coat Optional
Lab Coat Optional is the show where research is made relatable. Each episode, we dive into the research, the people behind it and why it matters. Tune in for smart, accessible conversations on the latest research from Arizona State University, released every other Wednesday.
We are a production of Knowledge Enterprise at ASU. Learn more at research.asu.edu.
Why 2026 will decide the future of water in the West, with Rhett Larson
Water law expert Rhett Larson explains why 2026 is a make-or-break year for the 40 million people who depend on the Colorado River for drinking water, power, agriculture and so much more. What happens if states can’t agree on how to share this resource going forward, and what do we have to give up to ensure a sustainable future for us all?
Further reading
Explore the Kyl Center’s Arizona Water Blueprint to find out the source of your water: azwaterblueprint.asu.edu
Read Rhett’s book, Just Add Water: Solving the World’s Problems Using its Most Precious Resource.
Look out for Rhett’s next book, Day Zero, a comparative legal analysis of the water crises faced in recent years by Cape Town, Chennai, and Mexico City, and draws water policy lessons from those crises for other cities.
Learn more about the Kyl Center for Water Policy and the Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law at ASU.
Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram and LinkedIn, or visit us at research.asu.edu.
Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice!
Get in touch with us at [email protected].
Episode credits
Executive produced by Kate Howells
Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka
Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka
Shot by Alexander Chapin
Edited by Quinton Kendall and Alexander Chapin
Original music from Patrick Cheung
Motion graphics by Andy Ramos
Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz
Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson
Disclaimer:
Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.
Search Results placeholder
Lab Coat Optional
Lab Coat Optional is the show where research is made relatable. Each episode, we dive into the research, the people behind it and why it matters. Tune in for smart, accessible conversations on the latest research from Arizona State University, released every other Wednesday.
We are a production of Knowledge Enterprise at ASU. Learn more at research.asu.edu.
Get ready for another season!
We’re back and bigger than ever!
Okay, well, we’re exactly the same size, But we are definitely back!!!
This time around, we’ll take you on a trip… to explore psychedelics as a form of therapy! Into deep space, to understand the evolution of galaxies. We’re digging into our growing energy demand, what happens when the rules governing the Colorado River expire and how music shapes our emotions.
All this and more coming soon!
New episodes every other Wednesday starting Feb. 4.
Follow ASU Research:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/asu-knowledge-enterprise
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asuresearch/
Learn more about our work: https://research.asu.edu
Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! We are at the mercy of the mighty, fickle algorithms and reviews help new listeners find our show.
Do you have thoughts or questions for us? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you! As long as you are nice. Be nice.
Search Results placeholder
Explore our resources
Accelerate your research
Whether you need help finding funding opportunities, crafting a proposal or commercializing your discoveries — ASU supports researchers through the entire research cycle.
Partner with us
We can accomplish more together. Find out how you can create customized partnerships with ASU that help your organization thrive.
Gain career experience
Students are vital to our ecosystem of research, entrepreneurship and innovation. Find opportunities to apply your coursework to hands-on projects and real-world challenges.
Support discovery
Philanthropy plays an important role in creating knowledge, pioneering discovery and catalyzing innovation. Learn how your gift can advance our work.
Be a part of ASU Knowledge Enterprise
Advance your career while making a difference. Knowledge Enterprise employees support research and innovation that benefits our communities and our world. And they enjoy generous and broad benefits including health and life insurance, retirement, tuition reduction and much more.