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University of Illinois System News
Read the latest University of Illinois System news from the Office of External Relations and Communications.
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  • aerial image of wastewater treatment plant

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

    Feb 21, 2023 10:30 am

    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

    Feb 17, 2023 8:00 am

    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

    Feb 16, 2023 11:00 am

    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

    Feb 15, 2023 4:30 pm

    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

    Feb 14, 2023 2:00 pm

    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

    Feb 2, 2023 1:30 pm

    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

    Jan 26, 2023 12:00 pm

    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

    Jan 25, 2023 9:00 am

    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

    Jan 17, 2023 3:15 pm

    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

    Jan 13, 2023 11:30 am

    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

    Jan 13, 2023 8:45 am

    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

    Jan 11, 2023 8:30 am

    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

    Jan 10, 2023 10:45 am

    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

    Jan 5, 2023 4:30 pm

    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

    Dec 21, 2022 8:45 am

    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

    Dec 15, 2022 4:00 pm

    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

    Dec 15, 2022 10:45 am

    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

    Dec 13, 2022 1:00 pm

    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

    Dec 13, 2022 9:45 am

    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

    Dec 12, 2022 8:30 am

    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

    Dec 9, 2022 6:15 pm

    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

    Dec 9, 2022 11:45 am

    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

    Dec 7, 2022 10:15 am

    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

    Dec 6, 2022 10:15 am

    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

    Nov 17, 2022 4:00 pm

    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

    Nov 17, 2022 12:00 pm

    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

    Nov 14, 2022 1:45 pm

    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

    Nov 11, 2022 11:30 am

    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

    Nov 3, 2022 2:45 pm

    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

    Oct 28, 2022 10:30 am

    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

    Oct 14, 2022 1:00 pm

    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

    Oct 13, 2022 8:00 am

    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

    Oct 6, 2022 1:15 pm

    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

    Oct 4, 2022 9:30 am

    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

    Sep 30, 2022 10:15 am

    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.

  • Two Synchrony interns and two employees pose in front of an inspirational sign that says driven

    Real Impact: Synchrony culture empowers next-gen innovators

    Sep 28, 2022 10:30 am

    Synchrony is a University of Illinois System partner in fueling innovation. Leaders discussed growing that partnership at Synchrony Chicago during the U of I System’s 2022 state tour.

  • Graphic with Paul Ellinger photo and title, plus University of Illinois System logo

    System names Paul Ellinger vice president/CFO and comptroller

    Sep 26, 2022 2:30 pm

    Paul Ellinger served as vice president/chief financial officer and comptroller on an interim basis since July 2021. He succeeded Avijit Ghosh when he was named interim executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs.

  • Woman with laptop, her image reflected in the glass wall she leans on

    DPI, partners launch Chicago/Skills to develop diverse tech talent for Illinois companies

    Sep 23, 2022 2:45 pm

    Chicago/Skills will provide tuition-free technology training and paid apprenticeship opportunities to as many as 2,500 people over five years.

  • Concept image of new building complete with lots of windows

    Pritzker, stakeholders unveil design for Discovery Partners Institute

    Sep 23, 2022 1:30 pm

    Located on a one-acre site southwest of the Loop, the new DPI headquarters will provide more than 200,000 square feet of office, classroom, lab, and event space for DPI and its university and industry partners.

  • Chicago skyline with "MCS in Chicago: Built to accelerate your career"

    UIUC to launch Professional Master of Computer Science Degree with DPI in Chicago

    Sep 22, 2022 1:30 pm

    The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is launching a new Professional Master of Computer Science degree in Chicago with the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), designed as a path for CS students to continue their education and accelerate their careers.

  • exterior of Specialty Care Building

    UI Health Specialty Care Building opening access to care, jobs

    Sep 22, 2022 1:15 pm

    The newest clinical building on the University of Illinois Chicago’s health sciences campus will open to patients Sept. 26. Leadership from UIC and its health system, UI Health, marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting event outside the $194 million building Sept. 14. 

  • U of I seal on iron gate

    Trustees approve $7.65 billion budget for current year

    Sep 22, 2022 12:15 pm

    The University of Illinois System Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a $7.65 billion operating budget for the current academic year that prioritizes the commitment to student affordability and access.

    The new budget provides a second consecutive year of increased financial support for the three system universities and is 6.5 percent larger than last year’s $7.18 billion operating budget.

  • rendering of new DPI facility in downtown Chicago

    DPI receives $1.5M grant for clean transportation research partnership

    Sep 15, 2022 12:45 pm

    A multi-institutional and multidisciplinary team led by the Discovery Partners Institute has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation PIRE program to reduce pollution in South Asian cities and accelerate a transition to clean transportation.

  • Chicago skyline

    DPI shares in $7.5M award from NSF to improve science gateways

    Sep 13, 2022 10:45 am

    The Discovery Partners Institute is among the recipients of a $7.5 million CyberInfrastructure Center of Excellence Award from the National Science Foundation. The funding will support a five-year project to improve science gateways. 

  • Three panels with a new graduate in cap and gown from each University of Illinois university in each

    U.S. News & World Report ranks U of I System universities high

    Sep 12, 2022 3:00 pm

    All three University of Illinois System universities again ranked high among public institutions and universities nationwide in the 2022-23 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings.

  • 94,800 students strong

    Sustained growth sees U of I System reach record 94,800 students

    Sep 7, 2022 11:00 am

    Enrollment across the University of Illinois System reached a record high this fall of more than 94,800 students, driven by managed growth after five years of robust expansion, President Tim Killeen announced today.

  • woman with doll in baby carrier talking to another woman

    U of I System launches Diverse Supplier Development Program

    Sep 2, 2022 11:00 am

    The University of Illinois System on Friday launched its new Diverse Supplier Development Program, welcoming the inaugural cohort of 25 firms from across the state. The program was created to help business owners from diverse backgrounds grow their companies and increase options for serving as public-sector vendors.

  • three campuses

    Fall 2022 welcome

    Aug 25, 2022 1:30 pm

    President Killeen welcomes students to campus for the Fall 2022 semester.

  • five men pose with awards in front of IIN banner

    Illinois Innovation Network honors innovators from across state

    Aug 17, 2022 3:00 pm

    The Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) announced recipients of its second-annual innovation awards Wednesday at the Illinois State Fair’s Tech Prairie STEAM Expo, recognizing individuals from the IIN’s 15 hubs who have made key advances in research, technology commercialization and education.

  • Chicago skyline

    Chicago awarded $18.5M in federal funds to create new jobs in the region

    Aug 17, 2022 2:15 pm

    The Discovery Partners Institute and P33 will spearhead tech-specific workforce development programs in support of an $18.5 million federal Good Jobs Challenge award announced earlier this month.