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List of research institutes in Illinois

Tamtam tracks 32 research institutes headquartered in Illinois. This list ranks all of them by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Chicago and University of Illinois Chicago. Their median headcount is 733. Half of them were founded in 1941 or later. The most common headquarters are Chicago (13), Evanston (3) and Springfield (2).

馃嚭馃嚫 Illinois32 companiesUpdated Nov 2, 2026
#CompanyIndustryHeadquarters EmployeesFounded
1
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaignillinois.edu

Leading public university with strong focus on education, research, global student opportunities, faculty innovation, and significant economic and community impact.

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Champaign 24,692 n/a
2
University of Chicagouchicago.edu

A prestigious academic institution encouraging scholars and students to think critically, explore various disciplines, and challenge conventional ideas for global enrichment

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Chicago 18,526 n/a
3
University of Illinois Chicagouic.edu

A large university in Chicago with 33,000 students, 12,000 employees, 16 colleges, and a public medical center

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Chicago 17,943 1965
4
Northwestern Universitynorthwestern.edu

Premier research university offering innovative teaching, pioneering research, and diverse, collaborative environments across multiple campuses near Chicago and Qatar.

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Evanston 16,997 1851
5
Rush University Medical Centerrush.edu

Academic medical center with hospital, health center, university offering medical, nursing education, research, residency programs, and community outreach services.

Hospitals and Health Care 馃嚭馃嚫 Chicago 12,484 n/a
6
Southern Illinois University, Carbondalesiu.edu

Provides comprehensive academic instruction through associate, bachelor, master, doctoral, and professional degrees in law and medicine to students from across the globe.

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Carbondale 5,571 1869
7
Argonne National Laboratoryanl.gov

National laboratory conducting advanced scientific and engineering research, developing innovative technologies, collaborating with industry and federal agencies for societal benefit.

Research Services 馃嚭馃嚫 Lemont 5,137 1946
8
Northwestern University - The Feinberg School of Medicinefeinberg.northwestern.edu

A renowned medical school in Chicago offering MD programs, research, patient care, and community service to educate future physicians

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Chicago 4,009 1859
9
University of Illinois Systemuillinois.edu

The company is a flagship public university system in Illinois, offering excellence in education, healthcare, research, and economic development to the community

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Urbana-Champaign 2,436 n/a
10
Fermilabfnal.gov

Premier particle physics laboratory conducting cutting-edge research, operating advanced accelerators, exploring dark matter and energy, collaborating with scientists worldwide Offering stimulating work environment

Research Services 馃嚭馃嚫 Batavia 2,376 1967
11
NORC at the University of Chicagonorc.org

An objective research organization partnering with clients to inform decisions on health, education, economy, and government programs for a better world

Research Services 馃嚭馃嚫 Chicago 2,285 1941
12
Shirley Ryan AbilityLabsralab.org

Specializes in treating severe physical disabilities through integrated clinical care and research, improving recovery for complex conditions.

Hospitals and Health Care 馃嚭馃嚫 Chicago 2,124 1954
13
SIU Medicinesiumed.edu

A leading medical school and clinical provider offering innovative medical education, research, and quality health care in diverse work environments

Hospitals and Health Care 馃嚭馃嚫 Springfield 1,597 1970
14
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Sciencerosalindfranklin.edu

graduate institution specializing in interprofessional health sciences education, offering medical, pharmacy, podiatry, and allied health professional degrees with research facilities

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 North Chicago 1,400 1912
15
Field Museumfieldmuseum.org

A forward-thinking scientific institution dedicated to exploring, protecting, and celebrating nature and culture through research, collections, public engagement, and education

Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos 馃嚭馃嚫 Chicago 876 1893
16
Chestnut Health Systemschestnut.org

A not-for-profit agency providing behavioral health services, addiction treatment, mental health counseling, housing, and supportive services with locations in Illinois and Missouri

Mental Health Care 馃嚭馃嚫 Bloomington 733 1973
17
Northwestern University Pritzker School of Lawlaw.northwestern.edu

A prestigious law school in Chicago founded in 1859, offering rigorous legal education, access to top faculty, and practical experience opportunities

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Chicago 624 n/a
18
Chicago Botanic Gardenchicagobotanic.org

A world-renowned living museum in Chicago area promoting plant connections, urban agriculture, education, conservation research, and horticulture beauty Nonprofit organization

Zoos and Botanical Gardens 馃嚭馃嚫 Glencoe 570 1972
19
Southern Illinois University School of Medicinesiumed.edu

A growing medical school and clinical provider known for innovative education, cutting-edge research, and quality healthcare in diverse work environments

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Springfield 551 1970
20
GTI Energygti.energy

Innovative technology development organization shaping global energy transitions with solutions leveraging gases, liquids, infrastructure, efficiency, and collaboration

Research Services 馃嚭馃嚫 Des Plaines 517 1941
21
The Grainger College of Engineeringgrainger.illinois.edu

A top-ranked engineering program driving innovation, solving global challenges, and revolutionizing engineering education #wedotheimpossible

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Urbana 490 1869
22
Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicineluc.edu

Educational institution focusing on medical education and training professionals to lead extraordinary lives while embracing diversity and values human dignity

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Maywood 478 n/a
23
The Morton Arboretummortonarb.org

Internationally-recognized botanical garden dedicated to tree research, conservation, and education, offering classes, exhibits, and 16 miles of hiking trails

Non-profit Organizations 馃嚭馃嚫 Lisle 397 1922
24
UL Research Institutesul.org

A global safety science organization conducts trusted research to address public safety issues, develop standards, and promote sustainability

Research Services 馃嚭馃嚫 Evanston 389 1894
25
University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoriapeoria.medicine.uic.edu

A medical school campus that educates medical students, physician residents, and physicians in a rigorous curriculum with hands-on experience and research opportunities

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Peoria 386 1970
26
Society of Actuariessoa.org

A leading actuarial professional organization providing education, research, and credentials to empower actuaries to manage risk and provide expert advice

Insurance 馃嚭馃嚫 Chicago 354 1949
27
The Family Institute at Northwestern Universityfamily-institute.org

A leading behavioral health organization providing research, education, and counseling services to strengthen and heal individuals, couples, families, and children

Mental Health Care 馃嚭馃嚫 Evanston 350 1969
28
Institute of Design (ID)id.iit.edu

The company utilizes design as a tool to transform systems and create positive change in various industries, teaching others to do the same

Design Services 馃嚭馃嚫 Chicago 334 1937
29
Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicagobiologicalsciences.uchicago.edu

A diverse division at the University of Chicago focused on impactful research, innovative education, and comprehensive patient care

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Chicago 319 n/a
30
Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicagoharris.uchicago.edu

This company focuses on critical thinking, rigorous analysis, and problem-solving to shape policy in the world, offering tools and strategies

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Chicago 311 n/a
31
University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistrydentistry.uic.edu

A leader in oral health education, clinical care, and research with a focus on patient-centered, evidence-based practices and a commitment to public health

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Chicago 186 1913
32
Soybean Innovation Labsoybeaninnovationlab.illinois.edu

The company focuses on soybean research and development in Africa to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce global poverty and hunger

International Trade and Development 馃嚭馃嚫 Urbana 13 n/a

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How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 2, 2026.

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