Each year, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Graduate College showcases the creativity and intellectual diversity of their students with its Image of Research competition.
🏆 2026 winners: https://ow.ly/qr8Z50YNxhr
📷 Full gallery: https://ow.ly/m74O50YNxhp
The University of Illinois System delegation posing on the steps of the U.S. Capitol
University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen holding a microphone with the U.S. Capitol in the background
Last week, the U of I System sent a delegation to Washington, D.C. to meet with our federal legislators and advocate for our education, research, health, and economic development missions. 🏛️
We're grateful for their time, attention, and continued support of the system's initiatives.
Real Impact The Heart of Recovery: UIS Grad's Cardiac Care Powered by Movement A young medical professional smiling next to an elderly patient
Not all generations learned the importance of exercise. It’s a big part of this recent University of Illinois Springfield graduate’s life. Jadyn Zafirri uses her degree to help patients get healthier doing cardiac rehabilitation and stay active after their sessions end: https://ow.ly/J0OQ50YLbvr
Nutrition sciences major Brianna Guerrier came to the University of Illinois Chicago as a transfer student — and found more than she was looking for.
Read more about how UIC makes it possible for Brianna to combine her passions for advocacy, volunteerism, and nutrition: https://ow.ly/YVml50YJWhQ
The U of I System doesn’t just study public health — we practice it.
From applying millions of dollars toward health research, opening access to healthcare for more residents, and investing in improving the entire food chain, our commitment to health and well-being has never been stronger.
This week, UIC is proud to host the SEJ — Society of Environmental Journalists' 35th anniversary conference — exploring how climate, water, energy, food, and health intersect.
#SEJ2026 is open to the public, so check out the schedule and register to join the conversations: https://www.sej2026.org/
The Illini Union, seen through a gate in the foreground
Recently, University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen discussed with @usnews.com the ways that our system is preparing students to lead, innovate, and contribute to the state of Illinois and the world beyond: ow.ly/avhu50YH9qY
![Talent grows here - and stays here
[many students at a graduation ceremony]
74 percent of our graduates choose to stay in Illinois - building careers, families, and futures right here at home.
University of Illinois System
Altogether Extraordinary](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:jdbrbr6ohd6phqlctwlh5sl2/bafkreigiuih5xhppatb5a4axexdmfl7jtf2eid5owz4if2w4vqvyimyxum)
Talent grows here - and stays here [many students at a graduation ceremony] 74 percent of our graduates choose to stay in Illinois - building careers, families, and futures right here at home. University of Illinois System Altogether Extraordinary
74% of U of I System graduates stay in-state to build their lives, careers, and communities. When talent stays, communities grow, economies compound, and the state’s future gets built by the very people trained to build it.
Read more in our 2025 Annual Report: https://ow.ly/JjeR50YEG2V
students walking on the East Campus of the University of Illinois Chicago
As spring brings greener views to Illinois, a new study shows that the benefits of living in greener neighborhoods aren't limited to aesthetic value. 🌳🌲
The UIC study found that women living in greener neighborhoods gave birth to babies with higher birth weights: https://ow.ly/9kIv50YF9jY
Illinois Extension Lifelong Learning. Lifelong Impact. University of Illinois System. Children petting a turtle, people using binoculars, two women in a lab swabbing a petri dish, two women in a greenhouse
HEALTH A holistic approach - physical, emotional, social, financial, occupational, and more. People exercising together. University of Illinois System
ENVIRONMENT Bolstering climate resilience through education and outreach for a sustainable future. The Sun rising (or setting) over a wide, green expanse of farmland. University of Illinois System
WORKFORCE A future-ready workforce created through professional development and lifelong learning. A room filled with people seated at tables and using laptops. University of Illinois System
Right now, University of Illinois Extension educators bring University of Illinois System research into communities — translating discoveries into programs that address workforce readiness, food security, and environmental resilience — reaching 800,000+ people annually in every corner of Illinois.
Chemistry professor Prashant Jain working in a laboratory with lasers
Urbana-Champaign chemistry researchers have devised a method that significantly lowers the amount of carbon emissions from a vital process used throughout the textile, plastic, and chemical industries. Even better: their new method uses solar power to do it. ☀️
Learn more: https://ow.ly/6gXx50YCorW
From advocating at our state Capitol to building early education capacity for teachers, the U of I System had a busy March. Read all about it and subscribe to Stay Connected, our monthly newsletter!
🏛️ March's edition: https://ow.ly/gbbp50YBoGs
📩 Subscribe here: https://ow.ly/Wbfv50YBoGu
Nominate a humanitarian changemaker for the Shin Award. The honoree directs $50,000 to University of Illinois System work they believe in.
❓ When is the deadline? April 13
❓ Can you nominate yourself? Yes
❓ What makes a strong nomination? Answers in our FAQ
🌐 Shin Award FAQ: ow.ly/9WHR50YAQK3
a woman examining wires and equipment in a laboratory
What does $1.2B in research impact look like?
It looks like women across science, humanities, and healthcare asking harder questions, challenging assumptions, and driving real change. Across all three of our universities, right now.
Read more about women making an impact: https://ow.ly/7anR50YzKYJ
It’s National Agriculture Day. Here, agriculture isn’t just where food begins. It’s where discovery, care, and community take root. 🌾
From soil to science to student support at all three of our universities, the University of Illinois System connects agricultural discovery with community wellbeing.
University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen recently spoke with @forbes.com about current perceptions of higher education, and gave his five-point roadmap for leaders to restore confidence in their institutions — reinforcing that higher education is a vital force for the public good.
At today's Board of Trustees meeting, President Tim Killeen shared this video that celebrates the dedication of the over 23,000 employees of the U of I System. They are the people who power the system that powers the state of Illinois. 💪
For a full recap of today's happenings: ow.ly/Ke9A50Ywv8s
Historical photo of a group of men standing in front of the Morrow Plots on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus
Nestled near the southern end of the Urbana-Champaign Main Quad, the Morrow Plots are the longest continuously-running agricultural experiment in all of North America. 🌽🌾
The College of ACES is celebrating 150 years of this living laboratory throughout the year: https://ow.ly/OFzc50YtwaX
Real Impact Still teaching. Still learning. For early childhood educators, a credential pathway that fits
Our new pilot program helps address Illinois’ urgent need for early childhood educators — offering flexible pathways for working teachers to advance their careers. Take classes through our Chicago and Urbana-Champaign universities to match your schedule and your life: https://ow.ly/hxZ550Yso35
The Shin Humanitarian Award Submit Your Nomination Today University of Illinois System
Shin Honorees 2025 Dr. Evelyn Figueroa University of Illinois Chicago 2024 Betsy Goulet University of Illinois Springfield 2023 The late Bir Bahadur (B.B) Singh University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Honorees directed $50,000 to fund: UIC 2025 Urban Physician Recruitment UIS 2024 Child Protection Staff Training Urbana 2023 Community Agriculture Events
Nominate a changemaker today! Due April 13th Your Nomination Matters go.uillinois.edu/2026ShinExcellence
Nominating a changemaker for the Shin Humanitarian Award accomplishes two powerful things at once. The honoree receives recognition and gifts $50,000 to University of Illinois System work they believe in. Nominate a humanitarian today. The deadline is April 13: go.uillinois.edu/2026ShinExcellence
Researchers tested bioplastics created with lignin from several different plant sources. (Photo: Jenny Fontaine/UIC)
Plastic shopping bags can take hundreds of years to decompose, and many cities now implement per-bag usage charges.
A UIC College of Engineering team may have a solution for both of these issues: a plant-based bioplastic that uses lignin. ♻️
Learn more: ow.ly/tVEu50YqoAS
Stay Connected February 2026 University of Illinois System
Even our shortest month was filled with impactful news and inspiring stories from all three of our universities. Keep up with all U of I System happenings every month by subscribing below!
⛅ February's edition: https://ow.ly/1Wek50YpaXG
📩 Subscribe here: https://ow.ly/4g9950YpaXE
AI in Chicago Season 2, Episode 6 Harley Johnson, PhD CEO, IQMP - Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park
Quantum computing sounds like a futuristic idea, but in Illinois there's momentum toward making it reality. If you wonder what quantum could mean for you, try this podcast with Harley Johnson, executive director and CEO of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park: https://ow.ly/RwZA50YoI8M
On February 27, the University of Illinois System closed on its purchase of 250 S. Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago to serve as the permanent headquarters of the Discovery Partners Institute, led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 🌇
Learn more 🔽
The 2026 U of I System delegation posing in front of the Illinois State Capitol
A portion of the U of I System delegation in a meeting room
A small group of people dressed in business attire inside the Illinois State Capitol
Focus on three seated young men dressed in business attire in a room full of people
At yesterday's U of I System Day at the Capitol, students, alumni, faculty, staff, and leadership from our community joined together to champion the impact of higher education across Illinois.
We share a common goal: strengthening Illinois through the power of public higher education.
Real Impact No Cost, No Limits: How A Transfer Student Found Her Community
At first, Zoey felt anxious at the University of Illinois Chicago. What turned things around? A peer coach who’d walked a similar path. A grant that erased tuition and fees. And U of I System infrastructure built to support students from every angle: news.uillinois.edu/view/7815/16...
The state budget proposed today by Governor JB Pritzker would provide a 1% increase in state-appropriated general operating funds for the U of I System.
The proposal would continue the vital reinvestment in public higher education prioritized by our state and Gov. Pritzker in recent years.
With a record 101,081 students enrolled at our three universities, the University of Illinois System is building clear pathways into and through college like never before. 🎓
Learn more about the ways we're affirming our commitment to access and affordability to learners of all ages 👇
Dental workers and students posing in their gear in a dentist office
The UIC Flames mascot giving a child a high-five in a waiting room
A man and a boy are using a model toothbrush and set of teeth
Two woman provide dental care to a child in a dentist's chair while giving the camera a thumbs-up
The University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry hosted its annual Give Kids A Smile day by welcoming nearly 100 children from St. Malachy School. 🌆
Children received free comprehensive oral exams, teeth cleaning and sealants, oral health education, and dietary recommendations. 🦷
Photosynthesis: a billions-old process that's actually kinda inefficient. @mikegrunwald.bsky.social discusses researchers at @uofilsystem.bsky.social's efforts to improve the process with AI, potentially increasing crop yields up to 50% in 20 years and how it could save our farming future.
