- University leaders share vision for health care with state representatives.
- Help support state funding for the University’s work.
- Awards and Recognition: Announcing the recipients of the 2023-25 McKnight Land-Grant Professorship award; and more.
University leaders share vision for health care with state representatives
U of M leaders Myron Frans and Jakub Tolar testified at a Jan. 30 joint hearing of the Minnesota House Commerce Finance & Policy and Health Finance & Policy committees. Earlier this month, Frans, Tolar, and President Joan Gabel announced the MPact Health Care Innovation vision, an opportunity to make Minnesota a leader in the health of all Minnesotans for generations to come. Learn more and view the prepared written testimony.
Help support state funding for the University’s work
Governor Walz recently released his budget and bonding recommendations for the University. The budget proposal would leave a $65 million gap in the University's request for core needs, including compensation, equipment and supplies, facilities, and technology. Become a UMN Advocate to learn more about the University’s requests, the governor's proposals, and to urge legislators to fully fund the University's work.
Awards and Recognition
Announcing the recipients of the 2023-25 McKnight Land-Grant Professorship award; the American Association for the Advancement of Science has named Alan Love, Changquan Calvin Sun, and Hui Zou to its 2022 class of fellows; announcing the recipients of the Imagine Fund Special Events Grants; R. Lawrence “Larry” Edwards has been awarded the 2023 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Earth and Environmental Sciences, one of the highest honors in the field; Brittany Hartwell has been awarded a 2022 Michelson Prize for excellence in vaccine research; David Kohlstedt has been awarded the Vetlesen Prize, one of the highest honors in Earth sciences; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.
DEI match for Black History Month in February
The University of Minnesota believes that a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment creates an enriched community experience and a sense of belonging for us all. In honor of Black History month, all gifts to the featured funds at give.umn.edu/giving/dei will be matched up to $10,000 through February.
Tech Comm launches new online agreement request form
The Technology Commercialization office has developed a new online request form for managing the research agreements that protect intellectual property and allow researchers to safely share materials, ideas, and other information with external partners. The smart form, which replaces a Word-based format, provides a more streamlined and efficient user experience. Tech Comm developed the form with input from researchers and contract administrators who work with these agreements regularly.
Deadline approaching: 2023-24 IAS Research and Creative Collaboratives
Applications for the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) Research and Creative Collaboratives are open. Conveners may be University faculty, students, or staff systemwide, or non-University community members; at least one convener must be a member of the University community. Budgets of up to $12,000 are available. Proposals are due Feb. 6.
Center for Urban and Regional Affairs research funding opportunities
The Faculty Interactive Research Program supports interactive public policy research between University of Minnesota faculty and community organizations or government agencies in Minnesota. The Fesler-Lampert Chair in Urban and Regional Affairs supports the work of a University of Minnesota faculty member on a project related to urban and regional affairs in Minnesota. Proposals are due March 3.
Center for Writing grant opportunities
The Center for Writing’s Grants for the Study of Writing in the Disciplines program offers small grants ($2,000–$6,000) to support faculty and instructor research on writing in their academic disciplines and as they cross disciplinary borders. Learn more about the application process.
Submit nominations for Outstanding Service to University Senate Governance
The nomination submission deadline for the 2023 Vickie R. Courtney Award for Outstanding Service to University Senate Governance is March 3. This award recognizes faculty, academic professional and administrative staff, civil service staff, and students systemwide who have made a significant impact on University Senate governance. Recipients receive a one-time $1,000 stipend.
Funding opportunity for invasive species research
The Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center (MITPPC) seeks proposals for new research for the prevention, detection, and management of terrestrial invasive species. Up to $6.3 million is available. U of M faculty, staff, and postdocs are eligible to apply, and cross-disciplinary and cross-sector collaborations are encouraged. The deadline for proposals is Apr. 30. View MITPPC projects.
Talking winter skin health with U of M
The winter months bring fun activities for those willing to brave the outdoors, but time outside in the dry and cold air can be tough on our skin. David Pearson, Medical School assistant professor and M Health Fairview dermatologist, talks about how to keep your skin healthy during the winter. See more editions of "Talking with U of M."
Research Brief: New study provides comprehensive overview of U.S. public health workforce
After a decades-long decline—both in terms of financial investment and the overall size of the workforce—the COVID-19 pandemic prompted increased attention and funding for America’s public health systems. This “neglect, panic, repeat” approach to public health has been occurring for over a century. A new study addresses the deficiencies of this approach and suggests strategies for building and maintaining a more stable public health workforce. See additional recent Research Briefs.
Feb. 6 - Voice, Art, and Community: Burial Rituals of the Habitual Tomorrow
Join Minnesota poets and scholars Heid Erdrich, Sun Yung Shin, and Douglas Kearney in conversation for the next event in the Voice, Art, Community series. 5 p.m., online and at Cowles Auditorium. Learn more and register.
U of M Crookston announces fall 2022 Dean's List
The University of Minnesota Crookston recently announced students who were named to the fall 2022 Dean's List. To qualify, students must complete 12 or more letter-graded (A-F) credits while attaining a 3.66 grade point average.
NOAA funds study of harmful algal bloom
Cody Sheik, biology department associate professor and researcher with the UMD Large Lakes Observatory, is collaborating with a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research lab and four universities to investigate harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes. With $281,000 of NOAA funding, Sheik’s lab will examine how cyanobacterial populations in lakes will respond to “increasing temperatures and carbon dioxide concentrations that are predicted from climate models."
March 14 - Lecture series features ceramic art
Kevin Snipes is known for porcelain-thrown and hand-built vessels that are finished with carefully drawn narratives. The ceramic objects he creates span the junction between two- and three-dimensional art. He will speak at UMD about this dynamic body of work at the next Visual Culture Lecture Series. 6 p.m., 120 Solon Campus Center.
U of M Morris included in $60 million HHMI grant
U of M Morris is one of 104 colleges and universities from throughout the U.S. to receive a six-year grant through the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence initiative. The grant challenges U.S. colleges and universities to substantially and sustainably build capacity for student belonging, especially for those who have been historically excluded from the sciences.
Feb. 7 - Bill and Ida Stewart legacy celebration
Join a virtual celebration of Bill and Ida Stewart and help to recognize their lasting legacy. The event will include an announcement about celebration plans for the naming of William B. and Ida B. Stewart Hall.
A love of sonography connects benefactor and student
A renowned radiologist at Mayo Clinic, Claire Bender blends her passion for sonography and education to support health professions students. Read scholarship recipient Madison Nelson’s story about what drew her to the University of Minnesota Rochester and how the support she received from Bender affected her academic journey. Learn more about Raptor life in the fall 2022 issue of The Kettle.
Announcing the spring Kern Center Connects seminar series
UMR has announced the spring Kern Center Connects seminar series for the community, offered in collaboration with Mayo Clinic’s Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery. The first seminar will take place Feb. 21 (register) with a focus on cancer screening, treatment, and monitoring, with subsequent seminars on health equity in primary care (March 21) and pain and aging research (Apr. 18).
Finding sweet success
Alumnus Junita Flowers is empowering women by normalizing the conversation around intimate partner violence. Flowers is building a national cookie business—Junita’s Jar—which this past summer launched in 320 Target stores nationwide. Watch a video and learn more. This story is part of the “Where it Starts” series, featuring stories from our U of M Black community.
Liberal Arts Engagement Hub residency opportunity
The Liberal Arts Engagement Hub is currently seeking proposals for 2023-24 residencies. Hub residencies support community-based collaborative projects that engage a topic of important public interest and involve at least one community partner (individual, group, or organization) and one person (faculty or staff) affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts. See the 2023-24 Hub Residency Call for Proposals or register for an info session.
Spring Teaching with Writing Series
During the spring semester the Teaching with Writing Series will focus on fostering access, inclusion, and academic belonging. Faculty members, instructors, and graduate students are invited to register for workshops, lunchtime panels, and a book circle. No charge, but pre-registration is required.
UMTC featured events
Feb. 3 - First Fridays: Playing Ball and Neighborhood Home Festivals
Feb. 6 - University Wind Ensemble
Feb. 14 - Registration for Bell Summer Camps begins
Feb. 15 - Webinar: Team Building in a Virtual Environment