Titanium is as strong as steel at half the weight. ✈️

At the University of Utah, Prof. Zhigang Zak Fang developed the HAMR process to cut cost and carbon, now commercialized by IperionX.

Innovation that changed lives. Pioneered by Utah #UofU #Innovation #PioneeredbyUtah

Physicists open door to future, hyper-efficient ‘orbitronic’ devices - @theU For the first time ever, researchers prove that atomic vibrations can transfer orbital angular momentum directly to electrons in a non-magnetic material, the most streamlined...

For the first time ever, scientists have shown that atomic vibrations can transfer orbital angular momentum directly to electrons, without magnets, batteries, or heavy materials. Read more below!

We’re excited to host NASA on February 27 as we explore future collaboration with the University of Utah. 
Don’t miss NASA’s campus talk from 9:30–10:15 AM in SMBB Auditorium (Room 2650). Open to students and the broader community!

Join us Feb. 24th for the VPR Town Hall - Office of the Vice President for Research

To ensure support and awareness for our research community, we are holding another town hall on February 24, 2026 at 12:00 pm MT. Topics will be added here as they become available.

The Science That Saved Briar’s Life The two-year-old's medical care was transformed by research that connected her epilepsy to heart conditions—catching a two-minute pause in her heartbeat and leading to a lifesaving pacemaker surgery.

"Without the research, she wouldn't be here."

Discover how a @UofUHealth researcher’s study on genetics and sudden death led to a life-saving pacemaker for 2-year-old Briar. 
Read more:

Join us at High Tech West! The hub where research, innovation, and industry come together. Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and register today! 
https://luma.com/nkfesjh9

The Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine Research Advisory Council is hosting a series of meetings on AI and data science. Open to faculty and trainees across campus, join the conversation shaping future research priorities.
https://luma.com/owy3i3bu

The Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine Research Advisory Council is hosting a series of meetings on AI and data science. Open to faculty and trainees across campus, join the conversation shaping future research priorities.

In Fond Memory of Joy Blatchford — Champion of Research Administrators, Mentor and Friend - Office of the Vice President for Research Our hearts are with Joy’s family, friends, and the many colleagues who loved and admired her. May her memory continue to bring light, laughter, and...

The University of Utah community mourns the loss of Joy Blatchford, Director of the Research Pre-Award Unit and a cherished colleague, mentor, and friend.

Market Research — Top Industry Trends Impacting Innovation (Dec. 16, 2025) - Office of the Vice President for Research Discover the top market trends influencing next-generation innovation. The latest market intelligence report highlights opportunities and challenges across sectors.

Take a look at the top industry trends shaping the future of innovation, from emerging technologies to shifting market forces!  #Innovation #UofU

2026 Call for Distinguished Mentor Award Nominations - Office of the Vice President for Research Deadline for submitting nominations is February 13, 2026.

Looking to nominate someone for the 2026 Distinguished Mentor Award?? Nominations are now open through February 13th, 2026. 

Changes to NSF Peer Review Process - Office of the Vice President for Research This memorandum communicates changes to the merit review process that are necessary to increase process consistency across the NSF and to provide flexibility and streamline...

There have been some new changes to the NSF Peer Review Process. Learn more about the changes below! 

🎙️ New U Groundbreakers Podcast episode!

VPR Erin Rothwell reflects on 2025, why the next five years will shape the next 20, and more.

🎧 Listen now: https://www.research.utah.edu/research-impact/u-groundbreakers-podcast-how-vpr-erin-rothwell-leads-utah-research-through-a-transforming-landscape/

Listening, Alignment, and the Work Ahead - Office of the Vice President for Research A December Reflection from the Vice President for Research.

As 2025 comes to a close, Vice President for Research Erin Rothwell reflects on a year shaped by listening, alignment, and momentum across the @utah.edu research community.

🔗 Click the link to read the message.

Save the Date: May 12-13 for the 2026 Digital Engineering Conference - Office of the Vice President for Research

📅 Save the date! May 12–13, 2026 — join us for the Digital Engineering Conference, where innovators and researchers will discuss the latest in digital engineering and tech breakthroughs! 

Indirect Cost Recovery: Campus Feedback Requested - Office of the Vice President for Research The ICRSC has been charged with developing a sustainable, data-informed, and transparent framework for how research indirect costs are recovered, distributed, and reinvested across the...

Indirect cost recovery supports the infrastructure behind every grant — labs, compliance, facilities, and more at the U.

📣 Give input to help shape how we reinvest in research support. 

The Intersection of Systems, People, and Discovery - Office of the Vice President for Research This year, we’ve navigated a fast-shifting landscape. Yet through all of it, our research community has remained steady and engaged.

🔬 Systems. People. Discovery. At the U of U, research isn’t just about labs — it’s about building a whole ecosystem that connects talent, tools, and real-world impact.

🔗 Read more.

Join the Deepfake Festival and Live/Wired Event on Dec. 5th — a walk-through, interactive media festival at the @utah.edu where films loop, performances evolve, and new-media art meets community.

🔗 More info. https://www.finearts.utah.edu/news/the-finer-points-blog/deepfake-livewired-25

Towering Breakthroughs at the University of Utah Towering above the University of Utah campus are the stunning Wasatch Mountains. They serve as inspiration for the towering breakthroughs that happen on camp...

Big mountains. Bigger ideas. ⛰️
At the U, we’re building thought-controlled prosthetics with titanium alloys and 3D printing — proof of what happens when collaboration and innovation lead the climb. #UofU #Research

Steadiness, Progress, and a Moment to Pause - Office of the Vice President for Research Every day, I see the resilience, creativity, and purpose that define this U research community.

In times of uncertainty, progress can feel slow. But at the @utah.edu, we’re reminded of the resilience, creativity, and purpose that drive our research community forward.

🔗 Read more.

Big discoveries can come from the most unexpected places. 🧬✨
Nominate a researcher or study for the 2026 Golden Goose Award by December 12, 2025, celebrating science that surprises and transforms the world. https://www.goldengooseaward.org/nomination

Don’t miss the Huntsman Cancer Institute Research Town Hall on December 3! 🌟
Get the latest updates, explore new initiatives, and connect with colleagues driving innovation in cancer research and care. We can't wait to see you there! 
 #UofU

Staying the Course, Building Momentum - Office of the Vice President for Research Even through a year of transition, our research community kept showing up, staying curious, and submitting bold proposals that move knowledge forward and serve our state.

At the @utah.edu, research isn’t just about breakthroughs — it’s about building momentum that powers lives, jobs, and communities. 🔬

Staying the course leads to real-world results.

🔗 Read more.

Pushing Boundaries in Optics: Dr. Berardi Sensale-Rodriguez’s Vision for Smarter, Smaller Lenses - Office of the Vice President for Research By merging computation, materials science, and optical engineering, U researchers are reshaping what’s possible in imaging—making tomorrow’s technology smaller, faster, and more powerful.

🔬 Pushing optics forward

A U researcher is engineering lenses that are smarter, thinner & adaptive. These innovations could transform cameras, drones & more.

U Groundbreakers Podcast: How Personal Challenge Shaped Dr. Jakob Jensen’s Research Mission - Office of the Vice President for Research Host Xoel Cardenas talks to Dr. Jakob Jensen about being diagnosed with melanoma, his passion for research, and what he has learned about himself throughout...

🎙️ New U podcast alert!

On the premiere episode of the U Groundbreakers podcast, Dr. Jakob Jensen shares how growing up in rural Montana and facing melanoma shaped his life’s work in research and public-health impact.

🎧 Tune in.

ICYMI: Innovation Awards honored some of the U's outstanding innovators. 🏆 

The awards recognize the efforts U students, staff, faculty & startups have made to pursue impactful research.

🔗 List of winners. https://www.research.utah.edu/people-recognition/2025-innovation-awards-recipients/

Driving Innovative & Economic Success: U Research Powers Utah’s Future - Office of the Vice President for Research The University of Utah’s $734 million in research expenditures is fueling innovation, jobs, and real-world solutions that strengthen Utah’s economy and improve lives statewide.

Innovation in action: @utah.edu researchers are turning discoveries into economic growth—strengthening Utah's industry, workforce and global competitiveness. 📈 👏 

🔗 Read more.

What We Discover Today Shapes the World We Wake Up to Tomorrow - Office of the Vice President for Research By supporting research at the U, you’re not just funding the pursuit of knowledge, you’re investing in America’s ability to adapt, to lead and to...

From improving health outcomes to transforming energy, data, and society, the @utah.edu's research community is shaping the world we’ll wake up to next.

🔗 Read more.

Chief of Staff Appointment: Allison Locatelli - Office of the Vice President for Research With 8+ years of experience, Allison Locatelli now steps into the role of Chief of Staff, expanding her leadership to include strategic initiatives that will...

Announcing Allison Locatelli as the new Chief of Staff for the Office of the Vice President for Research! Her experience in research operations & leadership is set to drive strategic impact.

🔗 Read more.

📺 Watch: Why Discovery and Innovation Thrive at the U

At the @utah.edu, innovation is more than a value, it’s a mission. During this year’s Innovation Awards, we asked honorees to share their perspective: What makes the U a place where innovation thrives? 

Click play to watch their responses!