Internal search: assistant/associate vice provost for professional education

Applications and nominations are invited from faculty and academic professionals for the position of assistant/associate vice provost for professional education. This new 25- to 50-percent-time academic leadership role, reporting to the vice provost for graduate education, will be responsible for coordinating, representing, and advocating for the post baccalaureate professional education community. See the search webpage for information. Applications reviewed beginning Oct. 25.

Microsoft Windows 11 upgrade

It’s time for the Twin Cities and Morris campuses to upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11. University-owned and managed computers running older versions of Windows will begin to upgrade later this month. Files and configurations should be retained during the upgrade, but moving data to a University-approved storage location is recommended. The upgrade may take up to an hour to complete. Learn more about Windows 11.
Abstract of the earth spinning with text reading Global Currents

New: Global Currents magazine

The Global Programs and Strategy Alliance has launched Global Currents, a new biannual magazine that features the work of University of Minnesota faculty in internationalizing teaching, research, and outreach. The inaugural issue highlights the broad spectrum of activities that contributes to internationalization, with articles written by faculty and administrators on a range of topics.

Call for proposals: Interdisciplinary Collaborative Workshop Award

The Interdisciplinary Collaborative Workshop (ICW) Award, a program of the Liberal Arts Engagement Hub, centers University-community collaboration. ICWs are intended to spur new connections, between and across disciplines, among scholars and their community partners. This award provides support to bring people together from a variety of fields to intensively study a topic or question and/or conduct a major research project. One 2-3-year project will be awarded up to $75,000. Applications are due Dec. 1.

Call for proposals: 2025 University of Minnesota Public Engagement Conference

The U of M Office for Public Engagement invites the University community and general public to a conference showcasing the variety of ways the University partners with communities, governments, nonprofits, and business and industry in community-engaged teaching, research, and outreach. The daylong conference will be held March 18 at Coffman Union, Twin Cities campus. All University faculty, staff, students, and community partners are invited to submit conference proposals, due Dec. 13. 

Structural biology, alpacas, and phages combat the evolving COVID-19 virus

Scientists with the Midwest Antiviral Drug Discovery Center at the U of M have developed a new strategy to keep antibody treatments effective against rapidly changing COVID-19 variants. As the virus evolves, older treatments lose their potency. To address this, the team is using tiny antibodies from alpacas and llamas, as well as phages (viruses that attack bacteria), to stay ahead of the virus’s mutations.

Researchers develop test to identify Palmer amaranth seeds

Palmer amaranth is an invasive weed that threatens Minnesota soybean and corn agriculture. Early detection is critical for preventing spread. U of M researchers worked with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Colorado State University to develop a genetic test for Palmer amaranth, achieving 99.9% accuracy, leading to enhanced detection and management strategies. The test is now available for wider use.

Teaching a robot dog new tricks

Meet "OmniAgrobot," a robot dog helping to track down problematic plant diseases in the field. Associate Professor Ce Yang and her team of students in the Agricultural Robotics Lab built the OmniAgrobot prototype to gather data with cameras and sensors in various field conditions. Still in its early stages, the team hopes OmniAgrobot's ability to provide real-time wheat disease phenotyping will help both researchers and farmers. 

Talking grapes and wine with the U of M

Autumn is a busy time of year for Minnesota’s winemakers, who spend long days harvesting and fermenting grapes. It’s also the perfect time of year for people to visit their local vineyards and sample Minnesota wines. Soon Li Teh, an assistant professor of grape breeding and enology, answers questions about the development of Minnesota’s cold hardy grapes and wine economy. See more editions of "Talking with U of M."

Nov. 6, 13, 20 - Mini Medical School: Bones Across the Ages

Dive into the world of bone health and discover the latest advancements in pediatric trauma, musculoskeletal system research, sports injuries and prevention, and geriatric bone health during Mini Medical School. Learn more and register to expand your understanding of bone health and its impact on individuals at every stage of life.