blog navigation

University of Illinois System News
Read the latest University of Illinois System news from the Office of External Relations and Communications.

blog posts

  • seal of the university system

    Gift Days 2023

    University of Illinois System leaders announced additional paid days off for staff during the winter holidays for the eighth straight year. 

  • Illinois Broadband Lab logo

    Illinois Broadband Lab launches survey to shape broadband investment plan

    Anyone in Illinois is encouraged to click here to access the survey and share their perspectives and input about the planning initiative, forthcoming federal investment, and the work of the Illinois Office of Broadband and Illinois Broadband Lab.

  • Governor Pritzker at a lectern

    Gov. Pritzker announces 'Innovate Illinois' partnership to secure federal funding

    The diverse coalition of business leaders, higher education institutions, and elected officials will coordinate the state's efforts to secure funding through the CHIPS and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

  • students in a computer lab

    U of I System, UIUC commit $50M supporting new Illinois Computes program

    This new initiative led by the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) will foster collaboration with researchers at all three system campuses on advanced research computing support and systems over the next five years.

  • the IWERC dashboard

    Discovery Partners Institute launches socio-demographic equity dashboard

    The dashboard provides an in-depth analysis of the six distinct neighborhood types in Illinois and their corresponding socio-demographic variables, allowing users to better understand the characteristics of communities throughout the state.

  • proposed design for new DPI building in Chicago

    Trustees give green light to design of Discovery Partners Institute’s headquarters

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Thursday approved the design of the new Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) headquarters, planned as an anchor for a new innovation district in Chicago’s newest neighborhood.

  • Wilbur Milhouse III

    Governor appoints engineer, business leader to U of I Board of Trustees

    Gov. J.B. Pritzker has appointed prominent civil and structural engineer and business leader Wilbur Milhouse III to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.

  • Young 4-Hers show the fresh green vegetables at their community stand

    Real Impact: Innovation, compassion feed Dixon Springs neighbors

    State funding helps make Dixon Springs Agricultural Center a magnet for research, information, and interaction. Funding also supports innovative and environment-friendly tactics like high tunnels that benefit the region. 

  • A woman stands at a podium in front of a crowd, while two men on a projection screen sign a document

    DPI, DESY announce R&D, corporate development partnership

    The Discovery Partners Institute, part of the University of Illinois System, and DESY, a national accelerator lab in Germany, today announced a partnership to advance the commercialization of their research and support the launch of businesses in each city. 

  • President Killeen and President Kao holding a document

    U of I System Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Taiwan's NTHU

    The agreement was signed during a multiday trip to Taiwan by President Killeen and a delegation of other U of I System leaders. During the trip, the delegation met with Taiwanese Prime Minister Chen Chien-jen; leaders from National Taiwan University and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University; Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute and Ministry of Education; and companies such as Hon Hai, AUO and TSMC.

  • Dr. Tai R. Shin and Mrs. You H. Shin

    New Shin Humanitarian Award invites nominations by May 1

    Students, faculty, and staff at University of Illinois System universities, as well as alumni, will help determine who receives a unique new award for positively impacting humanity.

  • President Killeen with Prime Minister Chen Chien-jen

    President Killeen meets Taiwan prime minister, discusses partnership

    A delegation led by University of Illinois System President Timothy Killeen met with Taiwan Prime Minister Chen Chien-jen and others to discuss further partnership and cooperation between the system and Taiwan in Chinese-language education and high-tech fields.

  • Researchers and interns circle around a male leader with grasses and trees in the background

    Real Impact: Institute seeks funding bump for environment-focused mission

    The system is asking the state for a 12 percent boost for Prairie Research Institue in the next budget cycle, increasing the $14.8 million budget to about $16.5 million. PRI receives essentially the same annual contribution from the state as it did when it became part of the U of I System in 2009.

  • Illini Angels logo

    Illinois Ventures and Illinois alumni collaborate on launch of Illini Angel network

    The University of Illinois System's venture capital arm and prominent alumni join forces to finance, support, and mentor early-stage companies with university roots.

  • Flags from Syria and Turkey

    Devastation in Turkey, Syria impacts University of Illinois System community

    The scale of the disaster is Syria and Turkey is staggering, and our hearts go out to all who are struggling with these losses.

  • aerial image of wastewater treatment plant

    Discovery Partners Institute receives $2.36M disease-control contract from CDPH

    The Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) is expanding its wastewater surveillance in Chicago beyond the virus that causes COVID-19 under a Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) agreement that extends their disease-control efforts into mid-2024. The DPI-led scientific team is now also analyzing wastewater for evidence of influenza A and B. The new agreement permits this search to grow to include other pathogens, such as the polio or monkeypox viruses, should they emerge as public health concerns.

  • Four young women practice CPR on female and Black and brown mannequins

    Real Impact: Heart-focused agency advances neighbor helping neighbor

    Illinois Heart Rescue teaches bystander CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED) use and other emergency essentials in large part because of state funding. This spring, the University of Illinois System again is advocating for the program’s annual funding as part of its annual state budget request. 

  • Illinois Broadband Lab logo

    State of Illinois, U of I System launch broadband, digital equity initiative

    The Connect Illinois Broadband and Digital Equity Planning Initiative will enable the state to receive historic federal Digital Equity and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program funds in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

  • Illinois State Capitol building in Springfield

    Budget plan to provide reinvestment in U of I System, public higher education

    The state budget proposed today by Governor J.B. Pritzker would provide a 7% increase in general operating support for the University of Illinois System, increasing the system’s total general funds appropriation to $697.1 million for the coming fiscal year and representing a vital reinvestment in public higher education that would build on last year’s appropriation increases. 

  • seal of the university system

    Statement on the mass shooting at Michigan State University

    A statement from Timothy L. Killeen, University of Illinois System President:

    "It is deeply disturbing to once again find ourselves grieving with friends and colleagues, this time following the mass shooting and loss of life at Michigan State University. We are heartbroken over what is sadly only the latest in a long, tragic series of such events across our country. We offer our unconditional support and deepest condolences...

  • two students looking at a computer screen

    Discovery Partners Institute launches new program for middle school students

    The Digital Explorers Program will expand DPI’s efforts to develop promising and diverse tech talent in Chicago. The program will be offered to students in grades six to eight on Saturdays at DPI’s downtown offices across two sessions. Students will develop computer science skills through coding and building a mobile app, while also taking part in team-building activities and solving problems with human-centered design thinking.

  • University of Illinois Board of Trustees medallion on a metal fence with yellow flowers in the background

    U of I Board of Trustees sets tuition rates for 2023-24 academic year

    Tuition will increase 1.9 percent for in-state freshmen starting in the fall in Urbana-Champaign and Chicago. Under the Illinois guaranteed tuition law, currently enrolled in-state undergraduate students will see no tuition increase. The law guarantees in-state undergraduates four years of unchanged tuition.

  • Images from each of the three University of Illinois System universities

    System universities again rank among nation's best in online programs

    Online programs at all three universities in the University of Illinois System again ranked among the nation’s best, according to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs listing. 

  • Rendering of future Discovery Partners Institute headquarters with vibrant city building all around

    Discovery Partners Institute creates endowment to support long-term growth

    The fund was seeded last month with $3.5 million in revenue from Shield T3, a business created and owned by the University of Illinois System to expand the use of the saliva-based COVID-19 test created by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers.

  • Jeffrey A. Stein headshot

    Three-degree alumnus Jeffrey A. Stein appointed secretary, Board of Trustees

    Jeffrey A. Stein, an administrator for nearly two decades at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and an alumnus with three degrees from UIUC, has been appointed secretary of the Board of Trustees and the University, President Tim Killeen announced Thursday.

  • Illinois Innovation Network logo with image of the state with pins noting hub locations

    New round of seed grants pushes Illinois Innovation Network to milestone

    Sustaining Illinois now includes 36 funded projects, and 13 of the 15 Illinois Innovation Network hubs have been lead recipients of funding. This round of projects marks the milestone of all 15 hubs participating in at least one seed grant. 

  • Former high school principal Jason Leahy in outdoor portrait with daughter Emma, tree leaves as background

    Real Impact: AP training equips high school teachers for stronger programs

    During summer 2023, the University of Illinois System will launch Advanced Placement Summer Institutes at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) to help increase the number of AP teachers across Illinois.

  • close up of scientist working with sample in lab

    DPI and IDPH launch interactive online COVID-19 tracker

    The Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced today a new website that tracks the levels of COVID-19 in wastewater samples in Chicago and other cities across Illinois.

  • colorized University of Illinois seal

    Spring 2023 COVID-19 update

    President Tim Killeen issued a massmail today detailing updated COVID-19 guidance for students, faculty and staff as the spring semester commences.

  • U of I seal on bronze

    Winter 2022 COVID precaution reminder

    University of Illinois System leadership issued a message to students, faculty and staff today asking for health and safety vigilance over the holidays.

  • iconic images from the three universities

    Reflections of the season

    President Tim Killeen delivered a massmail message today about inclusion to the entire U of I System community.

     

  • A person's hand with tongs weighing cannabis buds

    DPI, Chicago, state partnership launches Cannabis Research Institute

    The Cannabis Research Institute is a joint effort by the state and City of Chicago housed within Discovery Partners Institute, which is part of the University of Illinois System, to provide a robust body of research and data to advance public knowledge on scientific and socio-economic impacts of cannabis usage and production.

  • From left, Angie Lewis displays a piece of Pyrus, Gabe Tavas displays a Pyrus plank, and Brian Cheng displays a ukelele with parts made from Pyrus

    Real Impact: Nature-loving maker converts kombucha waste into wood proxy

    If Pyrus replaced wood in a host of applications, more trees would remain in Earth’s rainforests. That’s an essential step for getting climate change in check, something the U of I System pushes for progress on every day.

  • Students inspect tomatoes while collecting data in a greenhouse

    Governor releases $37M+ for food research, business growth at innovation hubs

    Pritzker administration releases $37.3 million to launch facilities for five hubs of the Illinois Innovation Network, created to accelerate job creation and economic growth through groundbreaking education, research and discovery.

  • Dr. Lauren Forsythe holds Duchess the cat, and Dr. Alex Gochenauer holds Loki the corgi in the Illinois Veterinary Hospital Medication Dispensary

    Pawsitively Collaborative: A new partnership in veterinary pharmacy

    A new veterinary pharmacy residency program serves as an example of the collaborations that unite University of Illinois System entities around advancing health and other missions.

  • Senator Scott Bennett speaking in front of the Illini Union

    Statement on the passing of Senator Scott Bennett

    University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen issued this statement today in response to the untimely passing of Illinois State Senator Scott Bennett:

    "Senator Bennett was a great friend to the university, a champion for higher education and a good man. On behalf of the University of Illinois System, I want to express my condolences to his family. His leadership, wisdom and commitment to the people of his district and Illinois will be missed."

  • 2023 Pocket Facts title with smiling graduate in cap and gown

    New Pocket Facts spotlights system strength through facts, figures

    Pocket Facts is filled with highlights from our universities, our healthcare enterprise, and collaborative entities such as Illinois Innovation Network and Discovery Partners Institute – all working together for a more prosperous, sustainable future for Illinois and beyond.

  • U of I System President Tim Killeen and First Lady Roberta Johnson Killeen at their home

    Happy holidays from the Killeens, students around the system

    U of I System President Tim Killeen said it best. “However you celebrate, we wish you the warmth of family and friends, and the joyful hope each new year brings.”

  • downtown Springfield building

    UIS takes ownership of future Springfield Innovation Center property

    The University of Illinois Springfield has officially purchased the downtown building that will serve as the new home of the UIS Innovation Center. Scheduled to open in 2025, the center will serve central Illinois as part of the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) to drive innovation, economic growth and workforce development across the state.

  • University of Illinois System leaders get their photo taken at the port of Cairo, with hands aiming cell phone in foreground

    Partnering with Purpose: Enhancing lives and spurring economic development

    U of I System President Tim Killeen’s annual state tour focuses on learning, listening and looking for opportunities to understand challenges and partner on solutions. Robust conversations among legislators, business and community leaders, alumni and other essential connections lead to the next steps that propel our state forward.

     

  • silver seal of the university

    Trustees approve request for funds to expand support for economy

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a request for increased state funding for the next fiscal year that would allow the system to expand its support for the state’s economy by increasing the talent pool, particularly from under-served communities, and further developing the state’s innovation infrastructure.

  • Two-photo collage includes a photo of Robert Lane Sr. and son Robert Lane Jr. in front of a U of I System banner that says Altogether Extraordinary. The second photo is a portrait of Charlotte Medina.

    Real Impact: Universities' Salute events strive to keep top students in Illinois

    Robust U of I System events and other interactions give students from historically underrepresented groups information and experiences to help them see how they’d fit in at University of Illinois universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield.

  • Marie Lynn Miranda portrait

    Marie Lynn Miranda named chancellor of the University of Illinois Chicago

    Marie Lynn Miranda, former provost of the University of Notre Dame and a leader in the drive to make higher education more inclusive, will be the new chancellor of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and a vice president of the University of Illinois System.

  • solar panels

    U of I System joins bid to create regional hydrogen hub to combat climate change

    The Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2) announced today that it will submit an application to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop a regional clean hydrogen production and distribution hub to be funded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

  • Nicholas P. Jones

    Nicholas Jones named executive vice president of U of I System

    Nicholas P. Jones has been appointed as the new executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs of the University of Illinois System, President Tim Killeen announced today. Jones will serve as second-in-command to the president, senior operating officer and chief academic officer of Illinois’ flagship university system.

  • University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen at podium in front of Altogether Extraordinary banner

    University of Illinois Foundation releases annual financial and endowment report

    The Fiscal Year 2022 new business figure tops $400 million for the fifth straight year with alumni contributing more $180 million to total.

  • three university images with logos

    U of I System expands commitment to sustainable investments

    The University of Illinois System has expanded its commitment to sustainability through its international equity allocation, investing $144 million in an environmentally and socially focused strategy launched by BlackRock Inc.

  • Cover of Empowering Extraordinary annual report with young woman arms raised in celebration

    2022 report highlights system initiatives in new, interactive format

    U of I System President Tim Killeen: I invite you to read just some of the many stories from all across the U of I System that show how we are laying the foundation upon which we can build a better future for all of Illinois.

  • Aijah Welch sits on porch steps wearing her gray Digital Scholars t-shirt

    Real Impact: Once-reluctant Chicago area teen raises her hand for tech

    Digital Scholars helps high school and college students build confidence and skills while connecting them with Chicago’s dynamic tech community. The program represents one facet of the future-focused work happening at Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), part of the University of Illinois System.

  • Graphic and photo with U of I System President Tim Killeen with Mexican delegation and Mexico's flag in the background

    University of Illinois System opens office in Mexico City

    The new system office in Mexico City will focus on student recruiting and alumni engagement, as well interactions with Mexican universities and the private sector.