UW News
The latest news from the UW
October 9, 2025
Programmable proteins use logic to improve targeted drug delivery
Targeted drug delivery is a powerful and promising area of medicine. Therapies that pinpoint precise areas of the body can reduce the medicine dosage and avoid potentially harmful “off target” effects. Researchers at the UW took a significant step toward that goal by designing proteins with autonomous decision-making capabilities. By adding smart tail structures to therapeutic proteins, the team demonstrated that the proteins could be “programmed” to act based on the presence of specific environmental cues.
Tag(s): Cole DeForest • College of Engineering • Department of Bioengineering • Department of Chemical Engineering • Murial RossOctober 8, 2025
‘Much-loved’ UW collaborator John Clarke wins the Nobel Prize in Physics
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences on Tuesday awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics jointly to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis, “for the discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunneling and energy quantization in an electric circuit.” Clarke, a professor emeritus of physics at the University of California, Berkeley, collaborates with the Axion Dark Matter Experiment at the University of Washington.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Physics • Gray Rybka • Leslie Rosenberg • Research Makes AmericaOctober 6, 2025
Q&A: What to know about the UW biology degree that launched Nobel Prize laureate Mary Brunkow
The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute on Monday awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly to Mary E. Brunkow — an alum of the University of Washington — along with Frederick J. Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi “for groundbreaking discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance that prevents the immune system from harming the…
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Biology • Martha Bosma
UW alum Mary E. Brunkow awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute on Monday awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly to Mary E. Brunkow — an alum of the University of Washington — along with Frederick J. Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi “for groundbreaking discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance that prevents the immune system from harming the body.”
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Biology • Mary Brunkow • Research Makes AmericaOctober 3, 2025
Discovery of organic compounds bolsters case that Saturn’s moon Enceladus could support life
A new analysis of data from the Cassini space probe has identified organic compounds within jets of water ice erupting from Saturn’s moon Enceladus. Some of the compounds, which likely originated in Enceladus’ subsurface ocean, have never before been identified on another world beyond Earth. The study, conducted in part by a UW researcher, contributes to mounting evidence that Enceladus could support life.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Department of Earth and Space Sciences • Fabian Klenner • NASASeptember 30, 2025
Q&A: How video games can lead people to more meaningful lives
UW researchers discuss their study which surveyed 166 gamers about how video games sparked meaningful changes in their lives.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering • Information School • Jin Ha Lee • Julie Kientz • Nisha DevasiaSeptember 29, 2025
UW announces Katherine and John Simpson deanship in the College of Arts & Sciences
The University of Washington announced a transformative gift that solidifies the importance and vitality of the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. It recognizes the legacy of former Dean John Simpson, his late wife Katherine, and the Simpson family by creating a namesake deanship for the College of Arts & Sciences. The Katherine and…
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Robert J. Jones
A simple intervention significantly improved patent outcomes for women inventors
Research by the University of Washington and the USPTO found that some simple interventions increased the probability that female inventors would get patents by 12%. For first-time applicants, that probability increased to 17%.
Tag(s): Information School • Mike TeodorescuSeptember 25, 2025
Q&A: Insect pollinators need more higher-quality habitats to help farmers, new research says
In a new study, a team of scientists determined the minimum natural habitat on agricultural land that will allow insect pollinators — including bumble bees, solitary bees, hoverflies and butterflies — to thrive. UW News reached out to co-author Berry Brosi, UW professor of biology, to learn more about these results and how habitat is important to two types of bees native to Washington.
Tag(s): Berry Brosi • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Biology • Research Makes America
After schools instituted universal free meals, fewer students had high blood pressure, UW study finds
Students schools that offered free meals to all students were less likely to have high blood pressure, suggesting that universal free meals might be a powerful tool for improving public health.
Tag(s): Anna Localio • Health Systems and Population Health • Jennifer Sonney • Jessica Jones-Smith • Melissa Knox • Paul Hebert • School of Public HealthSeptember 23, 2025
More bees please: 8 new-to-Washington species identified
Bee experts wouldn’t have previously expected to find the likes of Osmia cyaneonitens, Dufourea dilatipes and Stelis heronae in Washington. But this year, while collecting pollinators in Chelan County to study how climate and wildfires affect native bee populations, Autumn Maust, a University of Washington research scientist of biology, discovered eight bee species never recorded in Washington.
Tag(s): Autumn Maust • College of Arts & Sciences • College of the Environment • Department of Biology • School of Environmental and Forest Sciences
Longer body size means more female calves for baleen whale moms
University of Washington researchers found, in historical whaling data, that longer baleen whale mothers were more likely to birth female calves than males. These results run contrary to a leading evolutionary theory that suggests that fit mothers will benefit more from male offspring.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Research Makes America • Sarah Converse • School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences • Trevor Branch • Zoe RandSeptember 22, 2025
Inconsistent charging stations hinder EV adoption
New research from the UW tested how much a car owner’s perception of public charger reliability influences their willingness to buy their first EV. The results were dramatic: Participants with a negative view of public charging were far less likely to choose an EV than those with a moderate view.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering • Don MacKenzie • Research Makes America • Rubina SinghSeptember 21, 2025
UW’s incoming classes welcomed by President Robert J. Jones at New Student Convocation
The University of Washington’s incoming classes were welcomed Sunday at the University’s 42nd annual New Student Convocation inside Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. The ceremony was attended by thousands of students, family and friends. Welcome, Huskies! Thousands of incoming @uofwa.bsky.social students gathered for an annual 'W' formation today after kicking off the school…
Tag(s): Robert J. Jones • UW convocationSeptember 20, 2025
President Jones to welcome incoming class at New Student Convocation on Sunday
The University of Washington’s incoming classes will be welcomed on Sunday by President Robert J. Jones at the University’s 42nd annual New Student Convocation inside Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. The ceremony is expected to be attended by thousands of students, family and friends. Preliminary figures show the incoming freshman class will be…
Tag(s): Robert J. Jones • UW convocationSeptember 19, 2025
Q&A: UW professor’s book explores how ‘technology is never culturally neutral’
In her new book, Katharina Reinecke explores how “digital culture shock” manifests in the world, in ways innocuous and sometimes harmful.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Katharina Reinecke • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & EngineeringSeptember 18, 2025
Community Notes help reduce the virality of false information on X, study finds
A University of Washington-led study of X found that posts with Community Notes attached were less prone to going viral and got less engagement. After getting a Community Note, on average, reposts dropped 46% and likes dropped 44%.
Tag(s): Information School • Isaac Slaughter • Martin SaveskiSeptember 17, 2025
VIDEO: UW welcomes incoming students to on-campus housing
This week the University of Washington campus is once again buzzing with energy as students begin to move into the residence halls and participate in annual fall activities for incoming undergraduates. A majority of the UW freshman class has signed up to live on campus for Autumn 2025, and thousands of students are expected to…
Tag(s): Move-in day
University of Washington breaks ground on ASUW Shell House renovation
University of Washington President Robert J. Jones, author Daniel James Brown, and other members of the ASUW Shell House community gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony at the historic building, which is undergoing final stages of adaptive reuse. Spanning approximately 12,000 square feet, the historic ASUW Shell House is located just feet from the northeast edge…
Tag(s): ASUW Shell House • boys • Robert J. JonesSeptember 16, 2025
Q&A: From TVs to the future of computing, UW professor explains what makes quantum dots shine
Quantum dots, which are 10,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair, are unique materials that generate very specific colors of light. Researchers, including Brandi Cossairt, UW professor of chemistry, hope that quantum dots can one day be useful for more than just illuminating TV screens. UW News asked her to compare the quantum dots in QLED TVs with the ones her lab makes.
Tag(s): Brandi Cossairt • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Chemistry • Research Makes America
Story pole celebrating Coast Salish peoples installed on UW campus
Sven Haakanson, a University of Washington professor of anthropology, worked with three Coast Salish carvers to install a story pole on campus. Story poles were specifically created to share and teach Coast Salish legends, histories and stories.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Anthropology • Sven HaakansonSeptember 15, 2025
ArtSci Roundup: September and October
Come curious. Leave inspired. We welcome you to connect with us this autumn quarter through an incredible lineup of more than 30 events, exhibitions, podcasts, and more. From thought-provoking talks on monsters to boundary-pushing performances by Grammy-nominated Mariachi ensembles, it’s a celebration of bold ideas and creative energy. ArtSci On Your Own Time Exhibition: Woven…
Tag(s): Annual President's Address • ArtsUW • Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • College of Arts & Sciences • Comparative History of Ideas Program • David Baker • Department of American Ethnic Studies • Department of American Indian Studies • Department of Astronomy • Department of Chemistry • Department of Cinema & Media Studies • Department of Classics • Department of Economics • Department of English • Department of French & Italian Studies • Department of Linguistics • Department of Physics • Department of Political Science • Department of Slavic Languages and Literature • Department of Sociology • Henry Art Gallery • Jackson School of International Studies • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • School of Art + Art History + Design • School of Music • UW Graduate School • UW Public Lectures
Webb telescope finds clues to Earth’s creation in a cosmic butterfly
The James Webb Space Telescope has revealed new details in the core of the Butterfly Nebula, known to astronomers as NGC 6302. From the dense ring of dust that surrounds the nebula’s core to the tiny but bright star hidden within, the Webb observations paint a never-before-seen portrait of the nebula’s inner workings. Researchers at the UW and around the world are studying the imagery to learn more about the origins of cosmic dust and its role in the formation of planets like ours.
Tag(s): Bruce Balick • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Astronomy • James Webb Space Telescope
UW School of Dentistry shows its commitment to service through free clinics across Washington state
UW dental students, faculty members and community volunteers provide free care to communities across Washington, serving hundreds of patients each academic quarter.
Tag(s): Amy Kim • Andre Ritter • Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) • School of DentistrySeptember 12, 2025
Warming climate drives surge in dengue fever cases
Dengue fever incidence could rise as much as 76% by 2050 due to climate warming across a large swath of Asia and the Americas, according to a new study.
Tag(s): climate change • Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences • infectious disease • Marissa Childs • School of Public HealthSeptember 10, 2025
Q&A: Transparency in medical AI systems is vital, UW researchers say
In a recent paper, University of Washington researchers argue that a key standard for deploying medical AI is transparency — that is, using various methods to clarify how a medical AI system arrives at its diagnoses and outputs.
Tag(s): Chanwoo Kim • College of Engineering • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • Soham Gadgil • Su-In Lee
Researchers find key to Antarctic ice loss blowing in the north wind
Antarctic ice is melting at a startling pace, and the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is one of the greatest sources of uncertainty in climate projections. Researchers thought westerly winds were accelerating ice loss, but a new study from UW flips the narrative by 90 degrees, pointing instead to winds from the north.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Department of Atmospheric and Climate Science • Department of Earth and Space Sciences • Eric Steig • Gemma O'Connor • Kyle Armour • Research Makes America • School of OceanographySeptember 8, 2025
Ocean warming puts vital marine microbe at risk
Prochlorococcus, the most abundant photosynthesizing organism in the ocean, might be more vulnerable to climate change than researchers thought. Population decline could weaken the foundation of subtropical and tropical ecosystems as ocean temperatures continue to rise.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • François Ribalet • microbiology • Research Makes America • School of OceanographySeptember 4, 2025
This common fish has an uncommon feature: Forehead teeth, used for mating
New findings call into question one of the core assumptions about teeth. Adult male spotted ratfish, a shark-like species native to the eastern Pacific Ocean, have rows of teeth on top of their heads, lining a cartilaginous appendage called the tenaculum, in addition to those in their jaws. They used their tenaculum teeth to grip females while mating in water.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • College of the Environment • Friday Harbor Laboratories • Karly Cohen
Deep beneath the French Alps, dark matter hunters narrow their search
Physicists have floated numerous theories to explain what dark matter might be, but to date, no experiment has turned up compelling evidence to support any of them. An international team of physicists, including researchers from the UW, is now working on a new kind of dark matter detector with the goal of capturing the first direct observation of the puzzling material. Results from the detector’s prototype have already ruled out one of the leading theories of how dark matter originated.
Tag(s): Alvaro Chavarria • College of Arts & Sciences • dark matter • Department of PhysicsAugust 27, 2025
New ad highlights national impact of Big Ten universities
The positive impact of Big Ten universities across the Pacific Northwest and around the nation will be highlighted in a new 30-second ad that will air during sporting events featuring conference members, starting with this week’s season-opening football games. The ad – entitled “We Are Here” – will air alongside the fan-favorite “Maps” spot. The…
Tag(s): Ana Mari Cauce • Clean Energy Institute • College of the Environment • Research Makes America • Robert J. Jones • University Marketing & Communications
Fund for Science and Technology invests in the UW College of the Environment to further innovation and research related to climate solutions
The University of Washington’s College of the Environment will expand its work related to climate solutions thanks to a grant announced today from Fund for Science and Technology, FFST, a new foundation within the Paul G. Allen philanthropic ecosystem.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Ginger Armbrust • Joel Thornton • Research Makes America • Robert J. JonesAugust 26, 2025
Princeton Review: UW in top 10 of ‘Best Value Colleges’
The University of Washington is one of the top 10 U.S. public universities as ranked by return on investment, according to The Princeton Review.
Tag(s): RankingsAugust 25, 2025
How oxygen made the deep ocean home to animals, spurring rapid evolution
New research shows that deep-ocean oxygenation occurred 100 million years later than previously thought, aligning with the growth and spread of land plants. Once oxygenated, the ocean hosted rapid animal evolution, leading to the rise of modern vertebrates.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Department of Earth and Space Sciences • evolution • Kunmanee Bubphamanee
This AI model simulates 1000 years of the current climate in just one day
University of Washington researchers use AI to simulate the Earth’s current climate and interannual variability for up to 1,000 years. The model runs on a single processor and takes just 12 hours to generate a forecast.
Tag(s): artificial intelligence • College of the Environment • Dale Durran • Department of Atmospheric and Climate Science • Jonathan Weyn • Nathaniel Cresswell-Clay • Research Makes America • weatherAugust 21, 2025
Statement affirming University’s commitment to animal welfare following USDA inspection
The University of Washington is committed to upholding the highest standards of animal welfare and regulatory compliance in all of its research programs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) conducted an unannounced inspection of UW’s animal research program in July 2025 as part of its routine annual process…
August 19, 2025
Q&A: What can AI developers learn from climate activists
The goals of those developing AI systems for the climate and those working on the front lines of climate advocacy don’t necessarily align. To compare the two groups, UW researchers interviewed nine people who are developing AI for sustainability and 10 climate advocates.
Tag(s): Amelia Lee Dogǎn • Information School • Lindah Kotut
UW research shows Fresh Bucks program improves fruit and vegetable intake, food security
A new study from the University of Washington shows that households enrolled in the City of Seattle’s Fresh Bucks program experience a 31% higher rate of food security and consume at least three daily servings of fruits and vegetables 37% more often than those assigned to a program waitlist. Fresh Bucks, a $40 a month benefit, works with local partners to help residents access fresh food.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Economics • Department of Epidemiology • Health Systems and Population Health • Jessica Jones-Smith • Melissa Knox • Research Makes America • School of Public HealthAugust 18, 2025
Q&A: How marginalized artists invented the Broadway musical
A new book from David Armstrong, University of Washington affiliate instructor of drama, is an historical and cultural account of how the Broadway musical was predominantly created by people marginalized from mainstream society. The book, “Broadway Nation: How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical,” traces this history through four major eras.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • David Armstrong • School of DramaAugust 14, 2025
New faculty books: Language instruction, the yoga of power, and more
New faculty books from the University of Washington include those from Asian languages and literature, applied mathematics and the Jackson School of International Studies.
Tag(s): Amy Snyder Ohta • Christian Lee Novetzke • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Applied Mathematics • Department of Asian Languages and Literature • EunYoung Won • Jackson School of International Studies • Rie Tsujihara • Sunila Kale • Tim Leung • Zev HandelNext Page »
