Brief

Support for you and your family

Faculty and staff can find events and resources from University benefit providers on mental health, financial wellbeing, parenting, parental leave, and more. Learn more at support for you and your family.

Call for nominations: Systemwide University awards

Updated nomination instructions and due dates are now available for four systemwide University awards, including the McKnight Land-Grant Professorship, the Distinguished McKnight University Professorship, the Horace T. Morse-University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education, and the Award for Outstanding Contributions to Graduate and Professional Education.

Opening Aug. 12 - Artist-in-Residence program

The Artist-in-Residence program, administered by the Research and Innovation Office (RIO), brings artists together with scientists to spur creative thinking and innovation. Each award must create an artistic outcome (in-person, virtual, or hybrid experience) to be displayed or performed in the Sept.-Oct. 2025 timeframe. RIO anticipates two awards of up to $50,000 in 2025. Application opens Aug. 12; LOI due Aug. 13; proposals due Sept. 9. Learn more and apply to the Artist-in-Residence program.

U of M Rural Collective helps connect University expertise across Minnesota

The University's Rural Collective was established in 2021 to help make connections and to facilitate collaboration throughout greater Minnesota. Part of the Rural Health Program, the collective is funded by the University's Clinical and Translational Science Institute and the Office of Academic Clinical Affairs. The Rural Collective now includes 140 individual members and 25 partner members, including University centers, departments, and teams. Learn more and join the collective.

Advanced remote sensing elevates tracking of non-native reed grass

Non-native European common reed grass grows rapidly and poses a significant threat to wetland ecosystems worldwide. A U of M research team led by Joe Knight used advanced remote sensing technologies to track European reed grass infestations in Minnesota. Researchers plan to expand their methods statewide, assess the species' response to treatment, and detect new infestations.

Do the forests of Kentucky offer a glimpse of Minnesota’s future?

As Minnesota’s climate shifts, its forests will change in response. Boreal species at the southern edge of their current range will face increasing climate stress, and more hardwood species may slowly take their place. Eventually, some of those trees will be species not currently seen in Minnesota but found farther south. Extension educators recently traveled to Kentucky to present their work on creating climate-ready woodlands and to learn from local experts about managing tree species in the region.

New U of M app tracks and analyzes dangerous work zone intrusions

Work-zone intrusions are a frequent occurrence. In response to this safety threat, a U of M research team designed a dedicated app that lets workers quickly report work-zone intrusions. The data allow transportation agencies to track trends, assess risk factors, and develop countermeasures.

New resource helps Minnesota cities plan for extreme heat

Extreme heat is making headlines across the country this summer. Learn how the U of M's Resilient Communities Project teamed up with the Met Council to create a resource that cities can use to combat extreme heat in their communities.

Research Brief: Minnesota’s invasive tansy spread impacted by land use

Common tansy is an invasive plant found in northeastern Minnesota that is spreading rapidly throughout the state. It can quickly establish dense monocultures that squeeze out native plants and is difficult and costly to remove. A genomic study by U of M researchers sheds light on how common tansy spreads. See additional recent Research Briefs.

Sept. 9-10 - Advances in Learning Health System Sciences Conference

The Advances in Learning Health System Sciences Conference brings together Minnesota’s learning health system community to connect and discuss important topics in the field. This year’s conference will feature dynamic keynote speakers with a wealth of experience and expertise in health services research, as well as engaging sessions, presentations, and opportunities for networking. The conference will take place at Coffman Union on the Twin Cities campus. Register by Aug. 16.