UW News
The latest news from the UW
May 3, 2024
Video: Washington students learn about engineering at Discovery Days
This University of Washington College of Engineering event brings thousands of elementary and middle school students from all over Washington to campus to be engineers for a day.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Engineering Discovery Days • Nancy AllbrittonMay 2, 2024
Qiang Fu, Raymond Huey elected to National Academy of Sciences
Two University of Washington researchers are among the newly elected members of the National Academy of Sciences. Qiang Fu, professor of atmospheric sciences, and Raymond Huey, professor emeritus of biology, are among those recognized with one of the highest honors a scientist can achieve.
Tag(s): College of Arts and Sciences • College of the Environment • Department of Atmospheric Sciences • Department of Biology • Qiang Fu • Raymond HueyMay 1, 2024
ArtSci Roundup: Frontiers of Physics Lecture, “Influencers, Platforms and the Rise of the Follower Economy”, Cie Hervé KOUBI Performance and more
This week, head to Kane Hall for the Frontiers of Physics Lecture on the James Webb Space Telescope’s discoveries, enjoy Cie Hervé KOUBI’s performance at Meany Hall, learn about “Influencers, Platforms, and the Rise of the Follower Economy” during the Communications Colloquium, and more. May 6, 5:30 – 8:30 pm | Andrew L. Markus Memorial…
Tag(s): Center for Global Studies • College of Arts and Sciences • Department of Classics • Department of Communication • Department of Physics • Department of Political Science • East European and Central Asian Studies • Ellison Center for Russian • Henry Art Gallery • Jacob Lawrence Gallery • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • School of Art + Art History + Design • School of Drama • School of Music • Stroum Center for Jewish Studies • Teaching@UW • The Department of Asian Languages & Literature • The Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies • UW Public Lectures
UW’s campaign to restore the ASUW Shell House exceeds goal, showcases community support
Before the oars dip their blades signaling the beginning of the Windemere Cup, before hundreds of flag-draped boats parade from Portage Bay to Lake Washington to open the boating season, the campaign to save the ASUW Shell House at the University of Washington already can be called a winner.
Tag(s): ASUW Shell House • Denzil Suite
Virtual reality environment for teens may offer an accessible, affordable way to reduce stress
Working with teens, UW researchers have designed RESeT: a snowy virtual world with six activities intended to improve mood. In a 3-week study of 44 Seattle-area teens, researchers found that most used the technology about twice a week without being prompted and reported lower stress levels after using the environment.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering • Elin Björling • Jennifer Sonney • School of NursingApril 30, 2024
Scientists solve chemical mystery at the interface of biology and technology
A University of Washington-led study has solved a mystery about organic electrochemical transistors: Why there is a lag when they are switched on. In the process paved the way to custom-tailored OECTs for a growing list of applications in biosensing, brain-inspired computation and beyond.
Tag(s): Christine Luscombe • Clean Energy Institute • David Ginger • Department of Chemistry • Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute • Rajiv GiridharagopalApril 26, 2024
New circuit boards can be repeatedly recycled
A team led by researchers at the University of Washington developed a new PCB that performs on par with traditional materials and can be recycled repeatedly with negligible material loss. Researchers used a solvent that transforms a type of vitrimer — a cutting-edge class of polymer — into a jelly-like substance without damage, allowing solid components to be plucked out for reuse or recycling. With these “vPCBs” (vitrimer printed circuit boards), researchers recovered 98% of the vitrimer and 100% of the glass fiber.
Tag(s): Aniruddh Vashisth • College of Engineering • Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering • Department of Mechanical Engineering • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • Shwetak Patel • Vikram Iyer • Zhihan ZhangApril 25, 2024
ArtSci Roundup: “AI, Art and Copyright” Roundtable, “How to Center Intersex” Community Gathering, Indigenous Foods Symposium and more
This week, listen to the roundtable on “AI, Art, and Copyright,” attend the second annual Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies Spring Community Gathering, check out the Living Breath of wəłəbʔaltxʷ Indigenous Foods Symposium, and more. April 30, 4:30 – 6:30 pm | Anton Hur, “Translator Jetlag: Voice and the World We Build” | Translator’s Lecture,…
Tag(s): Center for Korean Studies • College of Arts and Sciences • Department of American Indian Studies • Department of Gender Women and Sexuality Studies • Department of History • Henry M. Jackson Foundation • Jacob Lawrence Gallery • School of Art + Art History + Design • School of Music • Severyns Ravenholt Endowment • Simpson Center for the Humanities • The Ellison Center for Russian | East European and Central Asian Studies • The Jackson School of International Studies • U.S. in the World Lecture SeriesApril 24, 2024
Q&A: How TikTok’s ‘black box’ algorithm and design shape user behavior
Franziska Roesner, a University of Washington associate professor, and collaborators will present two papers that mine real-world data to help understand TikTok’s personalized its recommendation algorithm and its impact.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Franziska Roesner • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & EngineeringApril 23, 2024
UW is No. 3 for schools that produce most Peace Corps volunteers
The Peace Corps announced that the University of Washington is again No. 3 on a list of top volunteer-producing institutions over the past two decades.
Tag(s): Peace Corps
Video: UW professor on ‘The Boys in the Boat,’ Nazi Germany and the 1936 Olympics
The film version of “The Boys in the Boat,” released on Dec. 25, was inspired by the University of Washington men’s rowing team that won a gold medal at the 1936 Olympics. It’s based on the 2013 book by Daniel James Brown. But there is more to the story than the improbable victory by UW student-athletes from…
Tag(s): Boys in the Boat • Department of History • Laurie Marhoefer • Nazi Germany • Olympics
Daniel James Brown to address UW’s Class of 2024
Daniel James Brown, the author of “Boys in the Boat,” the story of the 1936 University of Washington men’s rowing team, will deliver the 2024 Commencement address for the 149th ceremony, which takes place June 8 at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium.
Tag(s): College of Arts and Sciences • College of the Environment • Commencement
Author Daniel James Brown and MIT atmospheric chemist Susan Solomon to receive honorary degrees at UW’s 2024 Commencement
The University of Washington 149th Commencement is scheduled for Saturday, June 8, at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. This year, the UW will recognize best-selling author Daniel James Brown and Susan Solomon, a professor of environmental science and chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Both will receive honorary degrees for their contributions to the humanities and sciences.
Tag(s): College of Arts and Sciences • College of the Environment • Commencement • Department of Atmospheric Sciences • honorary degrees
Q&A: UW research shows neural connection between learning a second language and learning to code
New research from the University of Washington shows the brain’s response to viewing errors in both the syntax (form) and semantics (meaning) of code appeared identical to those that occur when fluent readers process sentences on a word-by-word basis, supporting a resemblance between how people learn computer and natural languages.
Tag(s): Chantel Prat • Chu-Hsuan Kuo • College of Arts and Sciences • Department of PsychologyApril 22, 2024
UW leads international group in semiconductor research and workforce development
The University of Washington is at the forefront of an international effort to innovate the semiconductor industry while building a skilled U.S.-based workforce to design and manufacture chip technology.
Tag(s): Ana Mari Cauce • College of Engineering • Institute for Nano-Engineered Systems • Nancy Allbritton • Office of Global Affairs • Washington Nanofabrication Facility
Faculty/staff honors: Rising Star Award for DEI, honors for ornithological work, and more
Recent recognition for the University of Washington includes a Rising Star Award, honors for distinguished ornithological work and a Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology.
Tag(s): Briana Abrahms • College of Arts and Sciences • College of Engineering • Dee Boersma • Department of Biology • Department of Gender Women and Sexuality Studies • Department of Psychology • Ginger Rebstock • Jennifer Freyd • Karen Thomas-Brown • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • Su-In LeeApril 18, 2024
ArtSci Roundup: Improvised Music Project Festival, Modern Abortion Around the World Panel, Taiwan’s Pop Music and more
This week, join the Jackson School for International Studies for a panel on Modern Abortion Around the World, head to Meany Hall for the Improvised Music Project Festival, celebrate Taiwan’s pop music, and much more. April 22, 3:30 – 5:00 pm | ‘Genbaku Otome: Reconsidering the “Hiroshima Maidens”’ with Kim Brandt (Columbia University), Thomson Hall…
Tag(s): African Studies Program • Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology • China Studies Program • College of Arts and Sciences • Department of Classics • Department of Gender • Department of Geography • Department of History • Department of Political Science • Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies • Jacob Lawrence Gallery • Japan Studies Program • Latin and Caribbean Studies • School of Art + Art History + Design • School of Music • South Asia Center • Taiwan Studies Program • Tateuchi East Asia Library • The Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies • The Simpson Center for the Humanities • University of Washington • Women & Sexuality Studies
Two UW researchers named AAAS Fellows
A tradition dating back to 1874, election as an AAAS Fellow is a lifetime honor, and all fellows are expected to meet the commonly held standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity.
Tag(s): Andy Stergachis • Brandi Cossairt • Clean Energy Institute • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Chemistry • Department of Epidemiology • Department of Global Health • Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation • School of PharmacyApril 17, 2024
Ice age climate analysis reduces worst-case warming expected from rising CO2
A detailed reconstruction of climate during the most recent ice age, when a large swath of North America was covered in ice, provides information on the relationship between CO2 and global temperature. Results show that while most future warming estimates remain unchanged, the absolute worst-case scenario is unlikely.
Tag(s): climate change • College of the Environment • Department of Atmospheric Sciences • Kyle Armour • School of Oceanography • Vince CooperApril 15, 2024
Q&A: How claims of anti-Christian bias can serve as racial dog whistles
A new University of Washington study showed that white and Black Christians perceived a politician concerned about anti-Christian bias as caring more about anti-white bias, being more willing to fight for white people and as less offensive than one concerned about anti-white bias.
Tag(s): Clara Wilkins • College of Arts and Sciences • Department of Psychology • Marah Al-KireApril 12, 2024
Statement on allegations involving a student-athlete
The following is a statement from the University of Washington on the allegations involving a student-athlete.
April 11, 2024
ArtSci Roundup: Center for Environmental Politics talk, ‘What Makes a Good Art Critic?’, Yefim Bronfman at Meany Hall and more
This week, head to Meany Hall for multiple Grammy Awards recipient Yefim Bronfman’s performance, learn from panelists during “What Makes a Good Art Critic?”, explore “The Imperative Challenges of Sustainability for the Forgotten” during the Center for Environmental Politics’ talk, and more. April 15, 3:30 – 5:00 pm | TALK | ‘Silver Democracy: Youth Representation…
Tag(s): ArtsUW • Center for Environmental Politics • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of History • Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures • Department of Political Science • Department of Scandinavian Studies • Henry Art Gallery • Japan Studies Program • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Severyns Ravenholt Endowment • Simpson Center for the Humanities • The Henry M. Jackson School of International StudiesApril 10, 2024
Ranking: UW recognized as among the best in the world
The University of Washington has been named one of the world’s top universities, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject released Wednesday.
Tag(s): College of Arts and Sciences • College of the Environment • geology • geophysics • Information School • Rankings • School of Nursing
New report ‘braids’ Indigenous and Western knowledge for forest adaptation strategies against climate change
Forests could also be potential bulwarks against climate change. But, increasingly severe droughts and wildfires, invasive species, and large insect outbreaks — all intensified by climate change — are straining many national forests and surrounding lands. A report by a team of 40 experts outlines a new approach to forest stewardship that “braids together” Indigenous knowledge and Western science to conserve and restore more resilient forestlands. Published March 25, the report provides foundational material to inform future work on climate-smart adaptive management practices for USDA Forest Service land managers.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • conservation • forests • School of Environmental and Forest Sciences • Susan PrichardApril 9, 2024
UW joins $110M cross-Pacific effort to advance artificial intelligence
The University of Washington and the University of Tsukuba have entered an innovation partnership with NVIDIA and Amazon aimed at furthering research, entrepreneurship, workforce development and social implementation in the field of artificial intelligence. This U.S.-Japan academic partnership is part of a broad, $110 million effort to build upon the strong ties between the U.S. and Japan and to continue to lead innovation and technological breakthroughs in artificial intelligence.
Tag(s): artificial intelligence • College of Engineering • Nancy Allbritton • Office of Global Affairs • Tricia SerioApril 8, 2024
UW graduate and professional disciplines have strong showing on US News’ Best Graduate Schools rankings
The University of Washington’s graduate and professional degree programs were widely recognized as among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings released late Monday.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • College of Education • Evans School of Public Policy & Governance • Foster School of Business • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • Rankings • School of Nursing • School of Pharmacy • School of Social Work • UW Bothell • UW Tacoma
Everyday social interactions predict language development in infants
In a study published April 8 in Current Biology, University of Washington researchers found that when the adult talked and played socially with a 5-month-old baby, the baby’s brain activity particularly increased in regions responsible for attention — and the level of this type of activity predicted enhanced language development at later ages.
Tag(s): Alexis Bosseler • Andrew Meltzoff • Department of Psychology • Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences • Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences • Patricia KuhlApril 5, 2024
Q&A: The growing trend of environmental, social and governance assurances in corporate America
Voluntary reports that discuss environmental, social and governance issues — or ESG issues — have become a major trend in corporate America over the past decade. Shawn Shi, University of Washington assistant professor of accounting in the Foster School of Business, is conducting ongoing research on the topic.
Tag(s): Foster School of Business • Shawn ShiApril 4, 2024
Q&A: Eclipses aren’t just good for jaw-dropping views — they’re also opportunities for stellar science, says UW astronomer
Eclipses past and present aren’t just opportunities for incredible sights. Generations of researchers have used them to study phenomena ranging from the sun itself to the fabric of the universe. UW News intervewed Emily Levesque, author and associate professor of astronomy, about what scientists past and present have learned by studying eclipses.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Astronomy • Emily Levesque • Q&A
What four decades of canned salmon reveal about marine food webs
University of Washington researchers have shown that levels of anisakid worms — a common marine parasite — rose in two salmon species in the Gulf of Alaska and Bristol Bay over a 42-year period. The team discovered this by studying salmon caught, killed and canned from 1979 to 2021. Since anisakid worms have a complex life cycle involving multiple types of hosts, the researchers interpret their rising numbers as a potential sign of ecosystem recovery, possibly driven by rising numbers of marine mammals thanks to the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Tag(s): Chelsea Wood • College of the Environment • conservation • fisheries biology • School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
In the Field: UW researchers traveling to capture total solar eclipse
Baptiste Journaux, a UW faculty member in Earth and space sciences, and four graduate students will travel to Arkansas on Monday to view the total solar eclipse. They will use a special telescope to capture images of solar features that can be viewed most clearly during an eclipse.
Tag(s): astronomy & astrophysics • Baptiste Journaux • College of the Environment • Department of Earth and Space Sciences • In the FieldApril 3, 2024
ArtSci Roundup: Chris Thile at Meany Hall, Northwest Sinfonietta, First Nations Spring Powwow, and more
This week, check out the 53rd Annual First Nations Spring Powwow, head to Meany Hall for a concert by Grammy Award-winning artist Chris Thile, enjoy the Northwest Sinfonietta’s performance with UW piano students, and more. April 11, 12:00 – 1:00 pm | Talking Gender in Europe Lecture Series | The Double-Helix Entanglements of Transnational Advocacy:…
Tag(s): College of Arts and Sciences • Department of American Indian Studies • Department of Philosophy • Department of Political Science • Henry Art Gallery • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Program on Ethics • School of Music • School of Public Health • Stroum Center for Jewish Studies • University of Washington
Q&A: UW researchers on the unseen community effects of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders
Starting in the earliest days of the 2020 outbreak, a team of researchers at the University of Washington conducted real-time surveys of King County residents, asking what measures people had taken to protect themselves, how their daily lives had been affected and what worried them most.
Tag(s): Center for Disaster Resilient Communities • ColLABorative on Extreme Event Resilience • COVID-19 • COVID-19 studies • Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences • Kathleen Moloney • Nicole Errett • School of Public HealthMarch 28, 2024
ArtSci Roundup: DXARTS Time and Time Again Exhibition, Meany Hall Concert, Colloquium Lectures and more
This week, head to the Henry Art Gallery for the Freedom in Failure: “That’s how the light gets in” program, learn how virtual reality platforms can advance personalized treatment options for patients, visit the DXARTS gallery for Time and Time Again, and more. April 3, 12:30 pm | First Wednesday Concert Series: Students of the UW…
Tag(s): College of Arts and Sciences • Department of American Indian Studies • Department of Asian Languages & Literature • Department of Geography • Department of Political Science • Department of Psychology • Henry Art Gallery • Jacob Lawrence Gallery • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • School of Art + Art History + Design • School of Music • The Henry M. Jackson Foundation • The Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies • University of Washington
Q&A: How to train AI when you don’t have enough data
As researchers explore potential applications for AI, they have found scenarios where AI could be really useful but there’s not enough data to accurately train the algorithms. Jenq-Neng Hwang, University of Washington professor of electrical and computer and engineering, specializes in these issues.
Tag(s): artificial intelligence • College of Engineering • Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering • Jenq-Neng Hwang
Q&A: UW researcher discusses the vital role of Indigenous librarians
Sandy Littletree, a UW assistant professor in the Information School, discusses the importance of working Indigenous ways of knowing into libraries, archives and data repositories.
Tag(s): Information School • Sandy LittletreeMarch 26, 2024
University of Washington appoints Pat Chun as Director of Athletics
The University of Washington has appointed Pat Chun to serve as its 17th Director of Athletics, UW President Ana Mari Cauce announced today. He will begin his duties Wednesday, March 27.
Tag(s): Alexes Harris • Ana Mari Cauce • UW AthleticsMarch 22, 2024
Signs of life detectable in single ice grain emitted from extraterrestrial moons
Could life be found in frozen sea spray emitted from moons orbiting Saturn or Jupiter? New research finds that life can be detected in a single ice grain containing one bacterial cell or portions of a cell. The results suggest that if life similar to that on Earth exists on these planetary bodies, this life should be detectable by instruments launching in the fall.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Department of Earth and Space Sciences • Fabian Klenner
Public records, records management and privacy officer join compliance and risk services
President Ana Mari Cauce and Provost Tricia Serio announced an organizational restructuring that brings the offices of Public Records and Open Public Meetings, Records Management Services, and the Privacy Officer functions into Compliance and Risk Services to better serve the University community and the public. The changes are an extension of additional restructuring previously announced to form the expanded Office of Finance, Planning and Budgeting.
Tag(s): Compliance and Risk Services • Jane YungMarch 21, 2024
ArtSci Roundup: Calder Quartet, Psychology Colloquium, Black Girls (Re)Creating Space through Digital Practice and more
This week, attend the Psychology Loucks Colloquium, visit the Henry Art Gallery for Martine Gutierrez’s Monsen Photography Lecture, hear from Ashleigh Greene Wade on “Where Can We Be? Black Girls (Re)Creating Space through Digital Practice” and more. March 27, 12:30 – 1:30 pm | TALK | Arctic Ambitions: Navigating Arctic Security Challenges, Husky Union Building Join…
Tag(s): Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture • Center for Korea Studies • Department of Communication • Department of Geography • Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures • Department of Philosophy • Department of Psychology • Henry Art Gallery • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Stroum Center for Jewish Studies • The Henry M. Jackson Foundation • The Henry M. Jackson School of International StudiesNext Page »
