The Illinois Mexican & Mexican-American Students Initiative (I-MMÁS) will host an online webinar on May 20 focused on the growing field of nutritional neuroscience, and evidence linking cognitive health and good nutrition. 🍎🧠 See the full agenda and register for free: https://ow.ly/s12X50YQKnl

Earth Day’s theme this year is Our Power, Our Planet. See just a sampling of the work across the University of Illinois System that powers progress — from clean energy to sustainable materials. 🌎

Each year, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Graduate College showcases the creativity and intellectual diversity of their students with its Image of Research competition. 🏆 2026 winners: https://ow.ly/qr8Z50YNxhr 📷 Full gallery: https://ow.ly/m74O50YNxhp

Last week, the U of I System sent a delegation to Washington, D.C. to meet with our federal legislators and advocate for our education, research, health, and economic development missions. 🏛️ We're grateful for their time, attention, and continued support of the system's initiatives.

Not all generations learned the importance of exercise. It’s a big part of this recent University of Illinois Springfield graduate’s life. Jadyn Zafirri uses her degree to help patients get healthier doing cardiac rehabilitation and stay active after their sessions end: https://ow.ly/J0OQ50YLbvr

Nutrition sciences major Brianna Guerrier came to the University of Illinois Chicago as a transfer student — and found more than she was looking for. Read more about how UIC makes it possible for Brianna to combine her passions for advocacy, volunteerism, and nutrition: https://ow.ly/YVml50YJWhQ

The U of I System doesn’t just study public health — we practice it. From applying millions of dollars toward health research, opening access to healthcare for more residents, and investing in improving the entire food chain, our commitment to health and well-being has never been stronger.

This week, UIC is proud to host the SEJ — Society of Environmental Journalists' 35th anniversary conference — exploring how climate, water, energy, food, and health intersect. #SEJ2026 is open to the public, so check out the schedule and register to join the conversations: https://www.sej2026.org/

Recently, University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen discussed with @usnews.com the ways that our system is preparing students to lead, innovate, and contribute to the state of Illinois and the world beyond: ow.ly/avhu50YH9qY

74% of U of I System graduates stay in-state to build their lives, careers, and communities. When talent stays, communities grow, economies compound, and the state’s future gets built by the very people trained to build it. Read more in our 2025 Annual Report: https://ow.ly/JjeR50YEG2V

As spring brings greener views to Illinois, a new study shows that the benefits of living in greener neighborhoods aren't limited to aesthetic value. 🌳🌲 The UIC study found that women living in greener neighborhoods gave birth to babies with higher birth weights: https://ow.ly/9kIv50YF9jY

Right now, University of Illinois Extension educators bring University of Illinois System research into communities — translating discoveries into programs that address workforce readiness, food security, and environmental resilience — reaching 800,000+ people annually in every corner of Illinois.

Urbana-Champaign chemistry researchers have devised a method that significantly lowers the amount of carbon emissions from a vital process used throughout the textile, plastic, and chemical industries. Even better: their new method uses solar power to do it. ☀️ Learn more: https://ow.ly/6gXx50YCorW

From advocating at our state Capitol to building early education capacity for teachers, the U of I System had a busy March. Read all about it and subscribe to Stay Connected, our monthly newsletter! 🏛️ March's edition: https://ow.ly/gbbp50YBoGs 📩 Subscribe here: https://ow.ly/Wbfv50YBoGu

Nominate a humanitarian changemaker for the Shin Award. The honoree directs $50,000 to University of Illinois System work they believe in. ❓ When is the deadline? April 13 ❓ Can you nominate yourself? Yes ❓ What makes a strong nomination? Answers in our FAQ 🌐 Shin Award FAQ: ow.ly/9WHR50YAQK3

What does $1.2B in research impact look like? It looks like women across science, humanities, and healthcare asking harder questions, challenging assumptions, and driving real change. Across all three of our universities, right now. Read more about women making an impact: https://ow.ly/7anR50YzKYJ

It’s National Agriculture Day. Here, agriculture isn’t just where food begins. It’s where discovery, care, and community take root. 🌾 From soil to science to student support at all three of our universities, the University of Illinois System connects agricultural discovery with community wellbeing.

University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen recently spoke with @forbes.com about current perceptions of higher education, and gave his five-point roadmap for leaders to restore confidence in their institutions — reinforcing that higher education is a vital force for the public good.

At today's Board of Trustees meeting, President Tim Killeen shared this video that celebrates the dedication of the over 23,000 employees of the U of I System. They are the people who power the system that powers the state of Illinois. 💪 For a full recap of today's happenings: ow.ly/Ke9A50Ywv8s

Nestled near the southern end of the Urbana-Champaign Main Quad, the Morrow Plots are the longest continuously-running agricultural experiment in all of North America. 🌽🌾 The College of ACES is celebrating 150 years of this living laboratory throughout the year: https://ow.ly/OFzc50YtwaX

Our new pilot program helps address Illinois’ urgent need for early childhood educators — offering flexible pathways for working teachers to advance their careers. Take classes through our Chicago and Urbana-Champaign universities to match your schedule and your life: https://ow.ly/hxZ550Yso35

Nominating a changemaker for the Shin Humanitarian Award accomplishes two powerful things at once. The honoree receives recognition and gifts $50,000 to University of Illinois System work they believe in. Nominate a humanitarian today. The deadline is April 13: go.uillinois.edu/2026ShinExcellence

Plastic shopping bags can take hundreds of years to decompose, and many cities now implement per-bag usage charges. A UIC College of Engineering team may have a solution for both of these issues: a plant-based bioplastic that uses lignin. ♻️ Learn more: ow.ly/tVEu50YqoAS

Even our shortest month was filled with impactful news and inspiring stories from all three of our universities. Keep up with all U of I System happenings every month by subscribing below! ⛅ February's edition: https://ow.ly/1Wek50YpaXG 📩 Subscribe here: https://ow.ly/4g9950YpaXE

Quantum computing sounds like a futuristic idea, but in Illinois there's momentum toward making it reality. If you wonder what quantum could mean for you, try this podcast with Harley Johnson, executive director and CEO of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park: https://ow.ly/RwZA50YoI8M

On February 27, the University of Illinois System closed on its purchase of 250 S. Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago to serve as the permanent headquarters of the Discovery Partners Institute, led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 🌇 Learn more 🔽

At yesterday's U of I System Day at the Capitol, students, alumni, faculty, staff, and leadership from our community joined together to champion the impact of higher education across Illinois. We share a common goal: strengthening Illinois through the power of public higher education.

At first, Zoey felt anxious at the University of Illinois Chicago. What turned things around? A peer coach who’d walked a similar path. A grant that erased tuition and fees. And U of I System infrastructure built to support students from every angle: news.uillinois.edu/view/7815/16...

The state budget proposed today by Governor JB Pritzker would provide a 1% increase in state-appropriated general operating funds for the U of I System. The proposal would continue the vital reinvestment in public higher education prioritized by our state and Gov. Pritzker in recent years.

With a record 101,081 students enrolled at our three universities, the University of Illinois System is building clear pathways into and through college like never before. 🎓 Learn more about the ways we're affirming our commitment to access and affordability to learners of all ages 👇

The University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry hosted its annual Give Kids A Smile day by welcoming nearly 100 children from St. Malachy School. 🌆 Children received free comprehensive oral exams, teeth cleaning and sealants, oral health education, and dietary recommendations. 🦷

Photosynthesis: a billions-old process that's actually kinda inefficient. @mikegrunwald.bsky.social discusses researchers at @uofilsystem.bsky.social's efforts to improve the process with AI, potentially increasing crop yields up to 50% in 20 years and how it could save our farming future.

As farmers face mounting economic pressures, Extension provides resources ranging from mental health vouchers and crisis support lines to comprehensive financial planning tools.  🔗 https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/illinois-extension-offers-support-farmers-experiencing-economic-stress

From @uisedu.bsky.social's Prairie Promise to Chicago's Aspire grant to Urbana-Champaign's Illinois Commitment, the University of Illinois System is dedicated to making a world-class education more affordable and accessible. Learn more in our 2025 Annual Report: ow.ly/Ap0n50YcrnF

A new study from the Urban Transportation Center at @uiccuppa.bsky.social shows that investing in rural transit in Illinois pays big dividends. 🚐💰 For every $1 put in, nearly $4 in value is gained through improved health outcomes, increased workforce participation, and more: ow.ly/A0kU50YbWgu

The 2026 UIS Star Party poster will be premiered on February 11! Here is a retrospective of the previous 16 years of Star Party posters.

At Education at Illinois's new Healing, Training, and Research Clinic in Champaign, graduate student clinicians broaden their experiences by providing free counseling services to community members—a win-win situation for all. 🤝

This Black History Month, the University of Illinois Chicago is celebrating the achievements of Africans and African Americans in our country with the theme "Stories of Our Resistance and Resilience." Bookmark the 2026 campus-wide schedule of events here: go.uic.edu/BHM

Despite the bitter cold, our campuses warmed back to action this month. Catch up with our biggest stories below, and subscribe for future months! 🌬️ January's edition: https://ow.ly/b9hB50Y6uNS 📩 Subscribe here: https://ow.ly/Xoab50Y6uNT

Dr. Robert A. Barish, vice chancellor for health affairs at the University of Illinois Chicago, writes in Crain's Chicago Business that "when academic medicine and public service intersect, the result is not just broader access to care. It is better care for everyone." 👉 https://ow.ly/pUBa50Y4nKe

Reminder: our annual Federal Priorities Town Hall starts tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. CST! U of I System President Killeen will reflect on last year's engagement, preview our 2026 goals, and conclude with a Q-and-A session with the audience. Register for free here: https://ow.ly/TBHy50XY2r1

This tax season, the University of Illinois Springfield's College of Business & Management will provide area residents with professional tax preparations at no cost. 💰 For more details and eligibility: https://ow.ly/EVCY50Y1UQx

The Illinois Innovation Network's Social Innovation and Impact Seed Grant program awarded over $160,000 to two new projects. 🌱 💡 personalizing learning for neurodivergent students 👴 enhancing social support for older adults in Illinois Learn more: https://ow.ly/3Aes50Y1iM2

Our 2025 annual report highlights our economic impact, with new data showing the breadth of our reach across Illinois. It reflects the essence of our mission: expanding access, driving discovery, and delivering impact. 📖 Spend time with "Collective Strength, Public Good": https://ow.ly/uvEl50Y0UXM

At our recent Board of Trustees meeting, U of I System President Tim Killeen chose to highlight seven of our more than 7,000 excellent faculty members. Along with their colleagues, we're proud of how often they go far above and beyond the tradition role of faculty. 👩🏽‍🏫👨🏻‍🔬

On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, one truth stands out: progress multiplies when we work together. At this weekend’s MLK Dinner, we gathered with others dedicated to serving the public and reflected on the responsibility we share to strengthen our communities. Dr. King’s legacy calls us forward.

Join U of I System President Tim Killeen on January 27 for our annual Federal Priorities Town Hall! President Killeen will reflect on last year's engagement, preview our 2026 goals, and conclude with a Q-and-A session with the audience. Register for free here: https://ow.ly/iW9F50XY2r2

After freezing resident undergraduate tuition rates in seven of the previous 11 years, the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois today approved a 2% tuition increase for Illinois resident undergraduate students admitted to the fall 2026 academic year.

The University of Illinois Board of Trustees will meet in Chicago this morning, starting at 8:00 a.m. Follow along live: http://uis.edu/uislive

We power progress across Illinois. 💪 With our $24.9B annual impact, we fuel jobs and opportunity while providing significant return on investment for residents, partners, and students. 📈 Drill down into the myriad ways our system boosts the state economy: https://economicimpact25.uillinois.edu