The University of Illinois System will link the architects of the rapidly developing quantum technology hub in Chicago with one of Mexico’s leading quantum computing researchers during an Aug. 20 virtual event focused on accelerating cross-border innovation through partnership.

“Quantum Computing and Microelectronics Technology: Driving Innovation in Modern Industry” will be hosted by the U of I System’s Illinois Mexican and Mexican-American Students Initiative and will feature speakers from the system-managed Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, its private-sector partners and Mexico’s Tecnológico de Monterrey. The event is free and open to researchers, faculty, students, industry professionals and policymakers.

The University of Illinois System is launching Transfer Drive, which provides a full range of support for income-eligible students transferring to its three universities from select Illinois community colleges. Each university is partnering with a community college to connect students with a dedicated transfer coordinator and milestone-based help with expenses.

The University of Illinois Board of Trustees today released the leadership profile for the system’s next president, formally launching the national search for the 21st leader of one of the country's premier public university systems. The profile, available on the presidential search website, will guide the board of trustees, the search committee and the executive search firm AGB Search as they accept applications and evaluate candidates from across the country and around the world. The board’s goal is to conclude the search by the end of the 2026 calendar year.

The Illinois Innovation Network has awarded over $250,000 to three new social innovation seed grant projects, bringing the total number of recipients of the IIN’s Social Innovation and Impact Seed Grant program to 10. Provided by the University of Illinois System, the funding translates research into projects that directly affect lives, address critical social problems and build trusted partnerships in communities across Illinois.

The University of Illinois Board of Trustees today took action to further support development of two important anchor buildings at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park: the National Quantum Facility and Quantum Works. Trustees also approved a recommendation to transform the historic President’s House in Urbana into an executive event space that will serve the entire University of Illinois System while preserving its historic character.