Aerial view illustration of diverse people holding hands forming circles.

Celebrating Research and Innovation

April 6–10, 2026

 

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation was pleased to host a Week of Research and Innovation.

We brought together faculty, staff, students, and postdocs from across our campuses to recognize excellence in research, scholarship, and discovery across every UO school and college.

The weeklong celebration served as a welcome reminder that despite challenges and adversity, this community is passionate, curious, and forward-thinking.

2026 Events

Monday, April 6
Red brick building on the University of Oregon northeast Portland campus.
UO Portland: Accelerating Research and Innovation Success
Monday, April 6 | 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Zoom
 
This event for researchers at UO Portland will highlight the wide range of resources available to support research, scholarship, and innovation activities. This webinar will introduce services that help faculty identify funding opportunities, develop competitive proposals, and navigate the translation of research into impact through intellectual property, licensing, and related innovation pathways. It’s an ideal opportunity to learn how the UO can help advance your ideas from discovery to application.
Two students work in a chemistry lab.
Sustainable Labs and You: Bringing the Program to Your Lab
Monday, April 6 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
149 Willamette Hall
 
Curious about the Sustainable Labs program but not sure where to start or if it's a fit for your lab? Join the program team for a direct consultation about the program. The UO's Sustainable Labs program is designed to be modular and flexible to meet your unique needs, and we will help you target the best starting point for your specific lab. Come on by for coffee, cookies, and consultation!
Trees line a sidewalk in front of the Knight Campus building.
Knight Campus Bioengineering Seminar
Monday, April 6 | 1:00–2:00 p.m., with reception to follow
Beetham Family Seminar Room, Knight Campus Building
 
The Knight Campus Department of Bioengineering hosts PhD candidate Ifra Ansai, who will present her research. Research Assistants Chandler Asnes and Teagan Sutherland will also present their experiences with I-Corp. 
 
More information is on the BioE Seminar Series webpage.
Exterior of Tykeson Hall on a spring day.
Physical Chemistry Seminar
Monday, April 6 | 2:00–3:00 p.m.
140 Tykeson Hall
 
Professor Aurelia Honerkamp-Smith of Lehigh University will present a lecture titled Flow-mediated membrane protein patterning on model and living membranes. 
 

The Physical Chemistry research area hosts research seminars throughout the year. More information is on the Joint Sciences Seminar calendar.

Spring campus scene with trees in the foreground, students in the middle, and the Johnson Hall building in the background.
Advancing Impact: Launching a Week of Research and Innovation
Monday, April 6 | 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Redwood Room, EMU and Zoom (RSVP for link)
 
This opening session will kick off our Week of Research and Innovation, beginning with remarks from UO President Karl Scholz underscoring the essential role of research, scholarship, and creative work in fulfilling the university’s mission. Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Geri Richmond will set the tone for a week of exciting programming designed to build community, spark new collaborations, and elevate the visibility of the UO’s research and innovation enterprise. The event will include time for Q&A, networking, and connection over refreshments. 
 
RSVP is encouraged for in-person attendance and required for Zoom registration.
Students walk past a bulletin board in Willamette Hall.
Institute for Fundamental Science Seminar
Monday, April 6 | 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Willamette 110
 
Samuel Wong, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow from the University of Washington, presents Melting LHC detectors: a novel search for stopped long-lived particles.

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Tuesday, April 7
A table with an open laptop, notebook, and cup of coffee.
SPS Coffee and Conversation - Closeouts: Preparing for a Successful Closeout
Tuesday, April 7 | 9:00–10:00 a.m.
DREAM Lab, Knight Library and Zoom
 
This event invites department grant administrators and researchers to connect with Sponsored Project Services staff and leadership over coffee and refreshments. After a meet-and-greet, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights during a hybrid presentation covering important topics in sponsored projects. 
 
This coffee chat will focus on how departments can prepare early to ensure smooth and timely award closeouts. We will review common closeout requirements and highlight steps departments can take throughout the life of an award to avoid last-minute issues. The session will also introduce the reconciliation (recon) report and a practical checklist that departments can use to monitor progress toward closeout. Attendees will leave with clear actions they can take to help SPS finalize awards efficiently.
World map with some countries highlighted.
Research Beyond Borders: Perspectives from Fulbright Scholars
Tuesday, April 7 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
151 Tykeson Hall
 
Join us for a conversation with former Fulbright Scholars as they share candid insights from their research experiences abroad. Diana Garvin (Assistant Professor, Romance Languages), Brian Klopotek (Associate Professor, Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies), and Jesse Abdenour (Associate Professor, Journalism and Communication) will share their experiences from developing an application, conducting research abroad, and the impact of their Fulbright experience on their work following their fellowship. Attendees will also learn practical tips for crafting a strong Fulbright application and navigating the selection process. This session is part of our Week of Research and Innovation and is open to anyone curious about pursuing global scholarship opportunities. 
 
This session is co-sponsored by the Global Studies Institute and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.
Trees line the shore of the Metolius river on a clear day.
Collaborative Research in Disaster Resilience
Tuesday, April 7 | 1:00–2:00 p.m.
PSC Visualization Lab, Allan Price Science Commons and Research Library
 
This session, co-sponsored by Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, the Institute for Resilient Organizations, Community, and the Environment (IROCE), and the UO's Chief Resilience Officer, brings together researchers working in natural hazards and disaster resilience for an in-person coffee and tea gathering designed to help participants learn about each other's work and seed new collaborations. The event will also include a discussion of strategies for pursuing external funding to support emerging research partnerships in this area.  
Two people at an outdoor reception smile and laugh.
UO Postdoc Association Social
Tuesday, April 7 | 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Susan Campbell Hall
 
Join fellow postdocs from across campus at the UOPA Social. This is a great opportunity to mingle with colleagues from different departments, build your campus network, and brainstorm ways UOPA can improve your time as a postdoc. Refreshments will be served! 
A microscopy image of stained, cross-sectional view of human skeletal muscle tissue.
Research Revealed: A Science Communication Showcase
Tuesday, April 7 | 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Redwood Room, EMU
 
“Science isn’t finished until it’s communicated,” reminds Sir Mark Walport, emphasizing the essential role of clear, accessible storytelling in sharing research with the world. Building on his statement, this event—co‑sponsored by Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, the School of Journalism and Communication, and the Institute for Resilient Organizations, Community, and the Environment (IROCE)—will feature lightning round science communication presentations from students, announce the winners of the Research Revealed photo and multimedia contest, and showcase science communication projects from undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty across campus, all aimed at empowering the community to articulate research impact more effectively.
 
RSVP for the Science Communication Showcase. More information is on the Research Revealed webpage. 
Campus scene with students walking and trees blooming with flowers.
Comparative Literature "Work-In-Progress" Talk
Tuesday, April 7 | 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Prince Lucien Campbell Hall (PLC) 159
 
Comparative Literature graduate students Mus'ab Abdul-Salam, Mariam Nadeem, and Untara Rayeesa will present their research in progress at the Comparative Literature department's “Work-In-Progress” series, which provides a forum for students and faculty to share ongoing projects.
 
This session is presented by the Comparative Literature Department and the Comparative Literature Graduate Student Association. More information is on the Comparative Literature Work in Progress Series webpage.

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Wednesday, April 8
A table with an open laptop, notebook, and cup of coffee.
SPS Coffee and Conversation - Award Management: Roles, Responsibilities, and Hot Topics
Wednesday, April 8 | 9:00–10:00 a.m.
DREAM Lab, Knight Library and Zoom
 
This event invites department grant administrators and researchers to connect with Sponsored Project Services staff and leadership over coffee and refreshments. After a meet-and-greet, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights during a hybrid presentation covering important topics in sponsored projects. 
 
Join the Award Management team for an overview of their role in post-award administration and how they partner with departments to support sponsored projects. We will cover several current hot topics, including NIST requirements, Delegated authority, and research security from the post-award perspective. The session will also highlight how SPS collaborates with other campus partners to address emerging compliance expectations. 
Women gather in a seated circle around a woman who is talking.
CAS Social Impact Forum: Increasing the Social Impact of Research
Wednesday, April 8 | 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Cedar and Spruce rooms, EMU
 
As part of its strategic plan, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is committed to advancing the social impact of the research, scholarship, and creative activity undertaken by its faculty and students. Join us for a multidisciplinary faculty panel discussing how their work contributes to meaningful societal outcomes, followed by a Q&A session. This event offers participants a chance to learn how CAS researchers are driving positive change and to explore approaches for deepening the real‑world impact of academic work.
A student uses a surveying instrument in a rockshelter cave.
Research Takeover: Celebrating Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Wednesday, April 8 | 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Willamette Hall Atrium
 
Undergraduates are invited to explore what research at the UO really looks like as research groups from across campus “take over” the Willamette Atrium with hands-on activities that showcase the exciting, diverse projects led by UO research teams. This interactive event is a great opportunity to meet research teams, ask questions about getting involved, and discover pathways into labs and creative inquiry—all while having a chance to win prizes. It’s an easy, welcoming way to see how you can jumpstart your own research journey at the UO.
A student in a podcasting studio.
Launching "The Global Hearth" Research Podcast
Wednesday, April 8 | 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Browsing Room, Knight Library
 
Celebrate the launch of the Global Studies Institute’s new podcast, The Global Hearth, with a panel and interactive session featuring researchers highlighted in the inaugural episodes. Chris Chavez (Professor, Journalism and Communication), Gyoung-ah Lee (Professor, Anthropology), and Dare Baldwin (Professor, Psychology), will share stories from their international research collaborations, offering insight into the challenges, discoveries, and impact of conducting scholarship across borders.
Zebrafish swimming in a tank.
A Guided Tour of Neuroscience at the UO
Wednesday, April 8 | 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Meet at ZIRC (1307 Franklin Blvd)
 
Join members of the UO community for an immersive introduction to neuroscience research facilities, beginning with a guided tour of the Zebrafish International Resource Center (ZIRC) to see how this unique model organism supports groundbreaking research. The event continues with visits to a handful of laboratories, where participants will learn first‑hand about ongoing neuroscience projects and the innovative approaches driving discovery across the institute. This program offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at the facilities, tools, and scientific questions shaping neuroscience at UO.
Headshot of Ada Limón.
Ada Limón: "The Unleaving: How Poetry Helps You to Not Miss Your Life"
Wednesday, April 8 | 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Redwood Room, EMU and live-stream
 
The Oregon Humanities Center’s (OHC) 2025-26 Cressman lecture will feature poet Ada Limón, who will present The Unleaving: How Poetry Helps You Not Miss Your Life.  
 

Ada Limón is the author of seven books of poetry and two picture books. Limón is the recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and was named a 2024 Time Magazine Woman of the Year. She served as the 24th Poet Laureate of the United States. 

RSVP for the Ada Limón lecture is required. More information is on the Oregon Humanities Center Cressman Lectureship webpage.

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Thursday, April 9
A table with an open laptop, notebook, and cup of coffee.
SPS Coffee and Conversation - Contracts Team: RAP Agreements Demo and Discussion
Thursday, April 9 | 9:00–10:00 a.m.
DREAM Lab, Knight Library and Zoom
 
This event invites department grant administrators and researchers to connect with Sponsored Project Services staff and leadership over coffee and refreshments. After a meet-and-greet, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights during a hybrid presentation covering important topics in sponsored projects. 
 
This session will feature the SPS Contracts Team and provide an overview of their work supporting research agreements at UO. The team will walk through a live demonstration of the RAP Agreements module, highlighting key features and how departments may interact with the system. We will discuss how the module improves visibility and efficiency in agreement processing and provide time for questions. This is a great opportunity to see the system in action and learn how it supports the research lifecycle. 
Logo for Startup Coffee Meetups, second Thursdays from 9 to 10 a.m. at 942 Olive.
Startup Coffee
Thursday, April 9 | 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Innovation Hub, 942 Olive Street
 
Fuel your morning and ideas with Startup Coffee, a monthly open meetup for entrepreneurs, innovators, students, mentors, and community members at the Innovation Hub at 942 Olive. Drop by on the second Thursday of the month at 9 a.m. to connect, share, and grow. ‍
 
No agenda, no pressure, no registration – just conversation, caffeine, and community. Held in partnership with the University of Oregon, Startup Coffee embodies the spirit of innovation that drives our region forward. Whether you’re launching your first venture or supporting others who are, this is your place to connect, share, and grow.
Exterior of the National Institutes of Health building.
Understanding Changes to the NIH Review Process
Thursday, April 9 | 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Tykeson 151
 
This panel discussion will bring together UO faculty who have recently served on National Institutes of Health (NIH) study sections to share firsthand insights into the new simplified NIH review framework and what these changes mean for investigators. Panelists will discuss how researchers are aligning their work with evolving NIH priorities and offer practical guidance on crafting grant proposals that respond effectively to updated review criteria. The session will also mark the launch of recruitment for the third cohort of the NIH Academy, inviting attendees to learn how the program can support their NIH‑focused grant development.
Interior of the Fenton Hall library.
Boosting Faculty Careers through Honors and Awards
Thursday, April 9 | 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Diamond Lake Room, EMU and Zoom
 
This session is focused on strengthening faculty recognition at the UO. Beginning with opening remarks by Provost Chris Long and Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Geri Richmond this event highlights the importance of honors in advancing institutional reputation, supporting recruitment, and elevating individual scholarly profiles. Presenters will introduce available OVPRI support, strategies for successful nominations, and ways departments can foster a strong recognition culture. 
 
The event concludes with a  panel discussion by the following faculty, who will share experiences and insights into the impact of academic honors on their careers:
  • Judith Eisen (Biology)
  • Mat Johnson (Creative Writing)
  • Ernesto Martinez (Indigenous, Race and Ethnic Studies)
  • Laura Pulido (Geography; Indigenous, Race and Ethnic Studies)
  • Susan Sokolowski (Sports Product Design)
A pink rose blooms near a campus sidewalk.
Flourishing Together: OVPRI Staff Connection and Conversation
Thursday, April 9 | 2:30–4:00 p.m.
Crater Lake room, EMU
 
OVPRI staff in research and innovation administration units, research core facilities, and centers and institutes are invited to a social gathering designed to acknowledge their impact, deepen interpersonal connection across units, and explore inclusion and belonging across the research ecosystem. The event will include brief remarks, interactive activities, and facilitated small-group conversation centered on UO flourishing and engagement
 
RSVP for the OVPRI staff session is encouraged.
A person sits with a laptop on their lap.
Manage and Build Your Research Profile in Elements
Thursday, April 9 | 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Zoom
 
Join the Office of the Provost's Elements team as they guide you through hands-on actions in the new faculty personnel system. Build your scholarly profile and refine database searches to best suit your needs. Connect research outputs to funding sources, connect your ORCiD profile, and learn about single-click reports like a CV or biosketch in this one-hour session. Come with questions and leave with a wealth of support resources.
 
This event is open to all faculty; no registration is required. 
Logo for the Robert Family Launch Strategy Seminar Series.
Innovation Showcase, in collaboration with the Robert Family Launch Strategy Seminar Series
Thursday, April 9 | 4:00–6:00 p.m., with reception to follow
Lundquist College of Business, Chiles Business Center, Room 128
 
Join us for a special event featuring presentations, discussions, and demonstrations from UO innovators and startups across campus in honor of the Office of Vice President for Research and Innovation’s Week of Research and Innovation. This special edition of the Robert Family Launch Strategy Seminar Series showcases the many forms innovation takes at the UO, including representation from a student startup participating in the Oregon Innovation Challenge; Gina Biancarosa, an innovator from the College of Education; VivoTex, a startup from the Knight Campus; and AlChemy Coatings, a startup from the Materials Science Institute. Reception to follow.   
 
The Robert Family Launch Strategy Seminar Series helps transform UO research discoveries and student innovations into investment-ready ventures. Created in partnership with the UO Foundation’s Launch Oregon fund and the Lundquist College of Business, the series equips founders with the tools, mentorship, and strategic frameworks needed to move from concept to launch. 
 

More information is on the Robert Family Launch Strategy Seminar Series webpage.

Logo for Universe on Tap.
Universe on Tap
Thursday, April 9 | 6:00 p.m.
Claim 52 Brewing, 232 Lincoln St, Eugene, OR 97401
 
Professor Laura Jeanty from the Institute of Fundamental Science will talk about cosmic rays, their detection, and why we care about them. PhD student Ansh Desai will talk about antimatter: what it is, how to make it, how much of it is in the universe. Join for some (fundamental) science, trivia, and prizes!
 
View the Universe on Tap webpage for more information.

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Friday, April 10
A table with an open laptop, notebook, and cup of coffee.
SPS Coffee and Conversation – Pre-Award Updates and Key Topics
Friday, April 10 | 9:00–10:00 a.m.
DREAM Lab, Knight Library and Zoom
 
This event invites department grant administrators and researchers to connect with Sponsored Project Services staff and leadership over coffee and refreshments. After a meet-and-greet, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights during a hybrid presentation covering important topics in sponsored projects. 
 
This 45-minute session will highlight several important updates from the Pre-Award team. We will provide an overview of SciENcv: Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae and what investigators need to know as agencies transition to this format. The session will also cover limited F&A considerations and current topics related to research security and conflict of interest (COI). Attendees will gain a quick overview of key developments that may impact proposal preparation and submission.
Aerial photo of the Knight Campus building 1.
Knight Campus Papé Family Innovation Center Coffee Series
Friday, April 10 | 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Beetham Family Seminar Room, Knight Campus Building 1
 
Join us for a conversation with Drew Worden, Associate Director of Commercialization for VPRI’s Industry, Innovation, and Technology team. Drew will introduce his role, share insights on campus innovation resources—including VPRI’s Translational Opportunity Program—and engage in discussion during a short presentation, Q&A, and time to connect over coffee and treats. This is part of the Knight Campus’ regular networking program that brings together innovators across campus and in the Eugene/Springfield community.
An educator and a child in a classroom examine leaves.
ACCESS Center Presents: Responsible Use of Rapid Qualitative Methods
Friday, April 10 | 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Zoom (RSVP to receive the link)
 
This workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to:
  1. Discuss when to use rapid methods, when to stick to the traditional methods, and how to combine both modes of analysis for complex projects.
  2. Walk through considerations regarding who should collect and analyze the data, and how to best adhere to ensure analyses are corroborated within research teams.
  3. Engage in a hands-on activity, walking participants through how to conduct a matrix of templated analysis of an interview data set.  
 
RSVP is required for the ACCESS Center session. 
The Olympic rings against a cloudy sky.
Sustainability and the Olympic Movement: Reflections From Milano-Cortina 2026 and thoughts on Los Angeles 2028 and Salt Lake City, Utah 2034
Friday, April 10 | 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Lillis Hall, Room 282
 
In this breakout session, Dr. Yoav Dubinsky, Associate Teaching Professor of Marketing in the Lundquist College of Business and the Operational Director of the University of Oregon Olympic Studies Hub, will discuss his ongoing research on the Olympic Movement, including reflections from Milano Cortina 2026 and thoughts about upcoming Olympic Games in the USA, Los Angeles 2028 and Utah 2034 focusing on sustainability and innovative ways of hosting. This breakout session will be part of the University of Oregon Summit for Sustainable Organizations. 
 
For registration (free) and more information, visit the Oregon Summit for Sustainable Organizations website.
Students sit in a circle outside of a brick campus building on a spring day.
Oregon Humanities Center "Work-In-Progress" Talk
Friday, April 10 | 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Prince Lucien Campbell Hall (PLC) 159
 
Hessam Abedini, Comparative Literature graduate dissertation fellow will present his project When the Three Magi Serve Homer: Preserving the Iranian Cosmology in English Translations of Firdausi's Shahnameh (AD 1010).
 
RSVP is required for the Oregon Humanities Center Work-in-Progress talk.
Headshot of Kory Russel.
IPRE Seminar Series
Friday, April 10 | 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Hendricks Hall 100
 
The Institute for Policy Research and Engagement is a part of the UO School of Planning, Public Policy and Management. This seminar is in collaboration with the School of Architecture and Environment.
 
Kory Russel, assistant professor of landscape architecture and environmental studies, presents The Sustainable Sanitary City: Container-based Sanitation, Gray Water Reuse, and the Future of Urban Water Infrastructure.  
 
More information is on the IPRE Seminar Series webpage.
A group of students studying at a table.
Not just for scientists: Integrating undergrads into faculty research in the humanities and social sciences
Friday, April 10 | 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Zoom
 
UO undergrads have many ways to receive university funding while working with faculty on a research project—this can offer faculty assistance with meaningful research tasks along with the joy of mentoring. But in the humanities and qualitative social sciences, many scholars never had models to learn how to build a team in this way. In this 60-minute workshop, participants will hear from researchers who do qualitative and interpretive work about how they have integrated undergraduates into their research process. The session will conclude with small-group facilitated discussions to brainstorm possibilities for faculty to do the same.
Rows of fish tanks line both sides of a walkway in the aquatic animal care facilities.
Tour Our Research Core Facilities
Friday, April 10 | 1:30–3:30 p.m.
 
Join us to explore the UO’s unique research core facilities and get a first‑hand look at the specialized instruments, equipment, and resources that power our leading‑edge research. Students, staff, and faculty may sign up for up to three tours across the following facilities: Aquatics Animal Care Services, Center for Advanced Materials Characterization in Oregon, Lewis Center for Neuroimaging, Oregon Fabrication and Design, and the Genomics and Cell Characterization Core Facility. These guided tours offer an inside view of the infrastructure that supports discovery at the UO and an opportunity to learn how these shared resources enable groundbreaking work across disciplines. 
 
RSVP required, and tours are now full.
Attendees talking at high-top table during WIN reception.
Graduate Student Networking: Like to Mingle? Let's Play Bingo!
Friday, April 10 | 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Willamette Hall Atrium
 
Graduate students from across the UO are invited to an informal community‑building social event playing Bingo, designed to spark connections across departments, schools, and colleges. This cross‑campus gathering offers a relaxed environment for meeting fellow graduate students, expanding interdisciplinary networks, and strengthening a sense of shared community—complete with games, prizes, and refreshments. 
 
RSVP is required for the grad student networking event.
A person sits with a laptop on their lap.
Manage and Build Your Research Profile in Elements
Friday, April 9 | 3:00–4:00 p.m.
140 Tykeson Hall
 
Join the Office of the Provost's Elements team as they guide you through hands-on actions in the new faculty personnel system. Build your scholarly profile and refine database searches to best suit your needs. Connect research outputs to funding sources, connect your ORCiD profile, and learn about single-click reports like a CV or biosketch in this one-hour session. Come with questions and leave with a wealth of support resources.
 
This event is open to all faculty; no registration is required. 

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Departments and groups with existing programming can submit event details for inclusion on the Week of Research and Innovation calendar of events.

A frog emerges from a pond.
Eden McCall's first place submission to the 2024 Research Revealed photo contest consisted of a photo of her research subject, the Oregon spotted frog.

A photo and multimedia contest for undergraduate students

Undergraduate students involved in research and creative scholarship are encouraged to submit an entry to Research Revealed. Submissions will be on display during the week. Cash prizes are awarded.

Submit an Entry by March 13

Many thanks to our partners across campus in collaborating on Week of Research and Innovation.

See you there!

 

The Week of Research and Innovation celebration is sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.

 

Recent Research Successes