Five years ago, Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University made a commitment to reimagine how research, education, and clinical care come together to improve lives across Michigan and beyond.
To mark the fifth anniversary, the Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences partnership held its inaugural State of the Partnership at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and on the MSU campus in early February. Leaders reflected on the progress made and the strides being taken to advance the partnership’s mission in the year ahead.
“This year marked real momentum for our partnership,” said Henry Ford + MSU President Norm Hubbard. “From advancing patient care to strengthening education and research, our teams have demonstrated what’s possible when we work together with purpose.”
Throughout 2025, the Henry Ford + MSU partnership reached several notable milestones, including:
Encouraged collaboration and growth as one team through a series of eight symposia, conferences, and strategic retreats, and countless other connections.
- Expanded research opportunities in neuroscience and nursing through seed funding and welcomed the first jointly recruited Henry Ford + MSU scientists.
- Launched the Henry Ford + MSU Innovation Hub and Health Innovation Leadership Academy.
- Celebrated the placement of the final beam on groundbreaking Henry Ford + MSU Research Center.
- Aligned MSU Health Care clinical services with Henry Ford.
- Broadened student learning opportunities through a new partnership scholarship and graduate lab rotations.
“We were thrilled by the strong turnout at the State of the Partnership,” said Henry Ford + MSU Chief Administrative Officer Teri Grieb, Ph.D. “Participants were actively engaged, asking thoughtful questions and sharing valuable insights.”
Grieb and Hubbard also outlined the focus for the year ahead, with key priorities including:
- Expanding research capacity by recruiting investigators in strategic areas
- Strengthening leadership within the cancer research program
- Advancing a shared vision for medical, nursing, and health professions education in Detroit
- Supporting pathways for local high school students to experience biomedical research and health careers.
“Opportunities are emerging from nearly every area of MSU and Henry Ford to achieve more together,” said Grieb. “When the Henry Ford + MSU Research Center opens in spring 2027, we will be well positioned to accelerate translational discoveries that offer hope for a healthier life that our communities deserve.”