April 26, 2023

University Health and Safety has a new name

University Health and Safety is now Health, Safety, and Risk Management (HSRM). This new name better reflects HSRM’s enterprise risk management practices that work to enhance the University’s ability to proactively identify and address workplace, laboratory, and other physical risks. HSRM will continue to provide services that work to avoid, prepare for, and respond to hazards and emergencies while promoting safety. Learn more at http://hsrm.umn.edu. 

Seeking nominations: Research Technical Staff Award

The Office of the Vice President for Research is seeking nominations for its Research Technical Staff Award, which recognizes research staff for their distinguished service and significant contributions to the U of M research community. Five honorariums of $1,000 each will be awarded to eligible staff who are involved in the practice of research or in support of faculty who are performing research. The nomination deadline is June 16. Awardees will be announced in August.  

Statistics support for University researchers

The Institute for Research on Statistics and its Applications is accepting applications for its 2023 Summer Statistical Consulting Program. Researchers involved in this program receive expertise from students at the School of Statistics. Students meet with researchers to learn about their study, understand their scientific questions, propose and implement solutions, and share the results. Collaborations typically run 10 hours per week over 8 weeks, but timing is flexible. 

Call for abstracts: 3M poster session 

In partnership with 3M, the U of M is hosting a poster session opportunity for graduate students and postdocs to share their research with executives, scientists, and engineers from 3M and to learn more about the company. 3M will select 40 posters based on fit with 3M’s technical interests. Submit an abstract using this form by May 2. 

How is TikTok affecting our mental health? It’s complicated, new U of M study shows

As the social media platform TikTok continues its exponential growth, many people have begun to question its potential impacts on society—particularly surrounding mental health. According to a first-of-its-kind study from University of Minnesota computer science researchers, the social media platform and its unique algorithm can serve as both a haven and a hindrance for users struggling with their mental health.  

Beyond the pay: More reasons to end subminimum wages 

The Minnesota Legislature is debating Governor Walz's proposal to end subminimum wages for Minnesotans with disabilities. Federal law allows the practice. Critics call it outdated, but there is pushback. The U of M Institute on Community Integration’s Danielle Mahoehney believes this issue isn't just about money. "It’s about engaging with your community and building citizenship.” 

Research Brief: Food insecurity limits intuitive eating in the short and long term

A study from the School of Public Health explores how food insecurity affects the way adolescents and emerging adults practice intuitive eating. Food insecurity is a leading public health challenge in the U.S., affecting more than 10 percent of U.S. households and disproportionately impacting communities of color. See additional recent Research Briefs.

Early Career Teaching and Learning Program

Faculty and instructors in their first five years at the University of Minnesota are invited to apply for the 2023-24 Early Career Teaching and Learning Program. Attend to deepen your understanding of student learning and broaden your teaching strategies. 

May 18 - Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Faculty and staff across the U of M System are invited to engage in conversation, thinking, and learning about access and inclusion for people with disabilities during Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). Visit the GAAD website to learn more and register for the Zoom sessions. 

May 19 - Sustainability Coffee Chat

The Office of Sustainability will host Sustainability and Supplier Diversity: 3 Small Business Origin Stories (register) featuring Wing Witthuhn of the Office for Supplier Diversity. This will be an informal discussion on diverse businesses that emphasize sustainability or environmentally friendly products and services. 10-11 a.m. via Zoom. 

May 22-26 - Faculty Writing Hunker

Jumpstart your summer research projects with a five-day, interdisciplinary faculty/P&A writing retreat (register). Each day is dedicated to independent writing time in a quiet and collegial environment. Brief structured writing activities, lunch discussions about writing, and opportunities for consultation and feedback on writing and teaching with writing round out the week’s activities. A remote option will be available for participants across the system.