These measurements were able to rule out cosmic strings as the leading theory of cosmic structure formation, and suggested cosmic inflation was the right theory.

Wands has published numerous research papers on cosmology, the physics of the early universe and the origin of cosmic structure.

His main interests lie in the field of cosmology, galaxy formation and computer simulations of cosmic structure formation.

Topics of active research include: the nature of dark matter and dark energy, the evolution of cosmic structure, the formation of galaxies, and the determination of fundamental parameters.