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Expert Viewpoints Humanities Headshot of English professor and department head Justine S. Murison

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 […]

Expert Viewpoints Headshot of Shannon Mason, standing outside in front of a tree and wearing a hot pink blazer.

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 […]

Announcements Alma Mater statue

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.

Announcements Portrait of the researchers in a classroom. They are seated at a child-sized table with educational materials spread across it.

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 […]

Expert Viewpoints Health and Medicine Life Sciences Graphic shows changes in health spending percent as a share of GDP in G20 countries from 1980 to 2021. The U.S. numbers go off the top of the chart, higher than any other G20 nation.

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.

Expert Viewpoints A woman with glasses wearing dark blue

What are the new guidelines for infant hepatitis B vaccination?

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. ­— On Dec. 5, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted to discontinue its decades-long recommendation for universal vaccination against hepatitis B beginning at birth. Public health expert and infectious disease physician Janet A. Jokela is the senior associate dean for engagement and a clinical […]

Behind the Scenes Photo of a woman standing in front of a microphone and music stand, facing a seated group of people.

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 […]

Announcements Photo of the researcher in a stairwell in a campus building.

Illinoisans to explore their African roots at free event

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois residents of African descent are invited to learn more about their heritage by engaging with the Illinois Family Roots Pilot Program. This community-based project uses DNA testing and genealogical research to help residents discover and reconnect with their African heritage. The IFRPP is one component of The African Kinship Reunion. The […]

Announcements Graphic says: 2025 Highly Cited Researchers. Background is orange with an image of journal articles stacked and open.

Twelve Illinois scientists rank among the world’s most influential

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Twelve scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have been named to the 2025 Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researchers list. The list recognizes researchers and social scientists who have demonstrated exceptional influence, as reflected through their publication of multiple papers frequently cited by their peers during the last decade. The highly cited […]

Expert Viewpoints Headshot of Bobby Smith II

What does the current fight over dispersal of food stamps tell us about food as a political weapon?

Millions of Americans may not receive federal food assistance this month. The Trump administration initially said it would not fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program during the government shutdown, which began in October. After two federal judges said the refusal to provide the benefits is unlawful, the administration said it will provide partial payments only, […]

Expert Viewpoints Photo of a cornfield at sunset along a country road.

What are the benefits of seeing drought through a social lens?

Much of the Midwest is experiencing drought due to very dry weather in the late summer and early fall. Half of the state of Illinois is in a severe drought, and portions of Central Illinois are in an extreme drought, affecting farmers’ yields, particularly for soybeans. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign information sciences professor Dong Wang […]

Expert Viewpoints Education professor and director of the Social Studies Network Asif Wilson

Are Illinois social studies educators prepared to teach inclusive topics?

As of the 2022-23 academic year, Illinois schools were required to adopt new learning standards for social science education in kindergarten-12thgrades. Asif Wilson is a professor of curriculum and instruction at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the director of the Social Studies Network. Wilson spoke with News Bureau research editor Sharita Forrest about the […]

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