What’s the state of the research landscape?
Academic research is a public good that reflects American values, says University of Illinois science policy expert Kelvin Droegemeier.
At 250 years after Jane Austen’s birth, why do her novels remain so popular?
This week marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth — she was born Dec. 16, 1775 — and fans of her novels have been celebrating with tea parties, brunches and balls. Her novels — including “Sense and Sensibility,” “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma” — enjoy immense popularity. They are the subject of numerous academic […]
What can we learn about our country’s origins from ‘The American Revolution’ documentary?
Filmmaker Ken Burns’ new documentary — a six-part series on the American Revolution — aired on PBS in November and is now streaming. The documentary describes the American Revolution as “a war for independence, a war of conquest, a civil war and a world war,” and it aims to provide “an expansive, evenhanded look at […]
Illinois announces first dual-credit initiative, bringing courses directly to high school students
The Learning Accelerator initiative offers the university’s popular general education courses to high school students across Illinois in the form of dual credit — at no cost to those students.
Book prepares K-12 leaders for the next public health crisis
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — In a new book, a team of experts in educational policy, epidemiology and public health chronicles the challenges faced by educators, public health authorities and school officials during the COVID-19 pandemic and offers a guide to some of the lessons learned as K-12 schools weathered that crisis. One key message: Collaboration between […]
What should consumers know about the current health care debate?
Those who wish to overturn the Affordable Care Act have struggled for years to replace it. If Congress fails to pass a better plan or extend ACA subsidies, insurance premiums will skyrocket for millions of Americans next year. The alternative, a proposal to expand health savings accounts, is even more problematic, says University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign health and kinesiology professor emeritus Thomas O’Rourke.
Behind the Scenes
A place for artistic expression at SPEAK Café
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Sharing things with strangers can sometimes be easier than sharing with a friend. That thought comes alive for me the evening I attend the SPEAK Café, a space full of song, poetry, art and expression. Hosted by local artist Shaya Robinson, the open-mic event takes place in the Rest Lab 8: Greenspace […]
Building a living laboratory on a lake
DECATUR, Ill. – After more than a year of planning, our team is finally ready to launch a new phase of research. We’ve designed and built two small “islands” of wetland plants that will float on Lake Decatur. These living laboratories will help us investigate how floating wetlands may affect nutrient levels and sediment dynamics […]
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