February 15, 2023

UMN Headlines: February 2023

The February edition of the “UMN Headlines” video series features highlights from around the University of Minnesota System, including automated vehicle research, a collaboration with NASA, a new undergraduate public health major, vaccine hesitancy research, significant funding awards including a grant for student mental health support, and more. See past episodes here.

U of M researchers lead major breakthrough to combat African swine fever

University researchers recently led work on African swine fever virus (ASFV) and developed and validated a surrogate virus for ASFV, a disease that has devastated pig populations and pork production in countries around the world. The U of M was one of only a handful of facilities in the U.S. to have access to the highly contagious ASFV. The lab’s work represents a major breakthrough in efforts to develop effective mitigation strategies to control ASFV and keep it from entering North America.  

Social Justice Impact Grants open for applications Feb. 20

The Social Justice Impact Grants (SJIG) program will start accepting applications Feb. 20. Administered by OVPR, the SJIG program is aimed at catalyzing research on social justice topics, including criminal justice reform, achievement gaps, health disparities, environmental justice, housing issues, and more. SJIG funds ($25,000–$50,000 for a 12-month period) are not meant to provide sole support for research activities; applicants who leverage other (external) funds and U of M resources will be prioritized. Applications due March 16. 

University Libraries grants available to help reduce cost of course materials

The University Libraries is working to increase the use of open textbooks and affordable course materials. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to Twin Cities and Duluth faculty, instructors, and departments who will work with U of M Libraries to adopt no-cost learning materials, create new open textbooks, or adapt and improve existing ones. Apply by March 3.

2023 Research Infrastructure Investment Program

Letters of intent (LOI) are now being accepted for the 2023 Research Infrastructure Investment Program, administered by OVPR. Funding will be directed toward new or existing facilities, service centers, or other shared resources across the University system. Wherever possible, new equipment requests should place equipment in an existing shared research facility. Matching funds are required. LOI due March 6; proposals due Apr. 6. All applicants who submit an LOI are invited to submit a full proposal.  

March 2 - Rare Disease Day

The College of Pharmacy and the Medical School will co-host Rare Disease Day and the program "Diversity in the Rare Disease Community: Challenges for Newborn Screening and Early-life Genetic Testing Equity." The event will feature Amy Gaviglio as the keynote speaker followed by a panel that includes participants who serve underrepresented communities. There will also be a poster symposium; all attendees can submit a poster. Attend virtually or in-person at McNamara Alumni Center.

March 24 - Speaking Science conference

Join the U of M science community for Speaking Science 2023, an immersive opportunity for faculty, research staff, post-docs, graduate students, and communications professionals to exchange ideas and hone specific storytelling skill sets. Unfolding over four weeks, Speaking Science will begin with an in-person conference at Coffman Union, followed by a variety of in-person and virtual offerings.