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The latest news from the UW

Global | UW News blog

June 18, 2026

Rankings: UW recognized as one of the best universities in the world

The University of Washington recently was ranked highly among its global peers in both the U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities and the QS World University Rankings. Both rankings were released in mid-June. According to U.S. News, the UW is No. 12 in the world on the 2026-27 rankings, No. 3 among U.S. public institutions. The UW also placed in the top 10 globally in six subject areas. On the QS World University Rankings, the UW is among the top 100, landing at No. 92, or No. 7 among U.S. public universities.

Expert quotes | Research | Science | UW News blog

June 16, 2026

Q&A: 3 UW biology researchers discuss what it’s like to study mosquitoes ‘all day and all the time’

While the majority of the world just wants to swat mosquitoes, three University of Washington researchers find these insects fascinating. They told UW News what it’s like to study mosquitoes and why these critters are actually really important.

Global | News releases

June 15, 2026

7 UW students receive Fulbright exchange awards for study, research and teaching positions around the world

Seven University of Washington students and recent alumni were awarded Fulbright U.S. Student Program scholarships for the 2026–27 academic year, joining about 2,000 students and recent graduates from around the country to pursue graduate study, conduct research and teach English abroad.

News releases | Research | Technology

June 12, 2026

UW researchers built AI agents that quickly estimate electronic devices’ carbon footprints

University of Washington researchers developed an artificial intelligence system that automatically estimates the environmental impacts of making different electronic devices. The system takes only a minute to run and achieves estimates with accuracy similar to human experts’.

Honors and awards | UW Notebook

June 10, 2026

UW faculty and researchers recognized with ACLS Fellowship, Beckman Fellowship and Humboldt Award 

Recent recognition of the University of Washington includes American COuncil of Learned Societies Fellowship, Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship and Humboldt Award from Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Assistant professor awarded 2026 ACLS Fellowship  Gian Rominger, assistant professor in the Department of Asian Languages & Literature at the UW, was awarded a 2026 ACLS Fellowship from the American Council of Learned Societies. The fellowship recognizes excellence in humanities and social sciences research and supports scholars whose work is poised to make…

Environment | In the field | Research | Science | UW News blog

In the Field: UW researchers are tracking how lions and African wild dogs in Botswana are responding to climate change

Every summer, UW researchers head to northern Botswana to study how large predators, such as lions and African wild dogs, are affected by climate change and other shifts in their environment. UW News asked a few team members to describe their plans for this summer.

UW Notebook

Q&A: UW Bothell professor Ron Krabill combines soccer and scholarship

Ron Krabill, a professor in UW Bothell’s School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences and director of the Global Sport Lab in the UW Jackson School of International Studies, is co-leading this year’s UW Summer Institute in the Arts & Humanities — Seattle’s World Cup: Storytelling Through Community Mapping. Krabill talked with UW News about his plans for participating students, his background in sports scholarship, what he’ll be watching during Seattle’s tournament games and more.

News releases | Research

June 8, 2026

Black Lives Matter movement changed workplace cooperation between Black and white employees, research shows

New research from Abhinav Gupta, professor of management at the University of Washington, shows the increased public attention on racial injustice after the murder of George Floyd influenced how Black and white employees interacted at work. The study examines how major societal events tied to race and injustice can shape workplace behavior.

Environment | Research | Science | UW News blog

June 4, 2026

With ShakeAlert installations complete, researchers explore offshore expansion

Researchers have completed all planned seismic monitoring station installations for the regional ShakeAlert early warning system. They are now turning their attention to offshore seismic monitoring, which could improve detection and warning time for the much-anticipated Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake.

Environment | News releases | Research | Science

Costly efforts to reopen rivers for fish can produce mixed results — this method can help planners avoid stranded investments

Efforts to restore fish passage are cropping up across the country, but these projects come with hefty price tags. In a new study, University of Washington researchers explore different approaches to improving the benefits from investments in salmon recovery.

Health and medicine | UW News blog

UW Dentistry researchers testing oral bacteria transplants to cure bad breath

To rebalance the oral microbiome and cure chronic halitosis, researchers at the University of Washington are embarking on a first-of-its-kind experiment. These clinical trials transplant bacteria and other minuscule critters from healthy donors into patients with halitosis. If successful, the healthy microbiota will crowd out the bad and patients’ bad breath will improve.

Honors and awards | UW Notebook

June 2, 2026

UW faculty and researchers receive Dreyfus, Rosenstiel and community engagement honors

Recent recognition of the University of Washington includes the Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award, the Rosentiel Award for contributions to ocean science, and the 2026 Distinguished Community Engagement Award Assistant professor of chemistry awarded 2026 Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award  Matthew Golder, assistant professor of chemistry at the UW, received a 2026 Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award from the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation. The award supports early-career faculty in the chemical sciences who have created an outstanding independent body of scholarship and demonstrated a strong commitment to education.   Each Camille…

Education | Learning | News releases | Research | Science

Q&A: Most biology education guidelines lack any connection to society — UW researchers explain why that’s a problem

UW researchers examined almost 3,000 science guidelines and assessment questions for any connections to society. Of the approximately 200 elements that had real-world implications, many discussed ethics and public health issues.

Environment | News releases | News roundups | Research | Research highlights | Science

May 28, 2026

May research highlights: Rapid river migration, bean plant defense, tiny tensegrities, more

Explore recent research from the University of Washington: how climate change is redirecting rivers, what bean plants use to protect themselves from pests, where the water in an atmospheric river comes from and how researchers are making tensegrities tiny.

UW Notebook

May 22, 2026

New UW resource explores the politics and culture behind the World Cup

World Cup: The Syllabus, developed by the Global Sport Lab in the University of Washington Jackson School of International Studies, puts the World Cup into larger historical, cultural and political contexts. Divided into seven section — including FIFA, migrations and human rights — the syllabus was curated by an editorial team of six leading experts in global football.

Arts and entertainment | News releases

May 21, 2026

ArtSci Roundup: June 2026

Come curious. Leave inspired. The UW offers an exciting lineup of in-person and online events. From thought-provoking art and music to conversations on culture, history, and science, the UW community invites you to explore, learn, and connect across disciplines throughout the University. And you don’t have to wait until June: Take a look at everything still happening in May. Sign up to receive a monthly notice when the ArtSci Roundup has been published. ArtSci On Your Own Time: Through July…

Honors and awards | UW Notebook

May 19, 2026

Three UW faculty members elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Three University of Washington faculty members have been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Their work spans environmental science, computing and engineering, addressing challenges ranging from climate resilience and ecosystem sustainability to artificial intelligence and accessible healthcare technologies.  Founded in 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences recognizes leaders across disciplines whose work advances research, public policy and the common good. The Academy elects roughly 250 members each year.  Daniel Schindler, UW professor in the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, was elected for research on how climate change, urbanization, and land use…

Environment | Research | Science | UW News blog

May 14, 2026

Q&A: How evolution influences nature-based infrastructure

Marina Alberti, a University of Washington professor of urban design and planning, studies how cities and natural ecosystems influence one another. UW News spoke to Alberti about how climate change is triggering evolutionary change within nature-based infrastructure projects — and what urban planners can do about it.

For Washington | News releases | Research | Science

A new method could help Washington shellfish farmers control a pesky shrimp

Burrowing shrimp, native to Washington, create problems for shellfish farmers. As their name suggests, these creatures burrow in marine sediments, and the excavated material piles up on the surface, which can smother oysters and clams growing there. State-funded research led by the University of Washington offers a new, non-chemical approach to controlling shrimp populations in shellfish-growing areas.

UW News blog

UW selects Studio Joseph to design Ana Mari Cauce Welcome Center exhibits

The University of Washington today announced the selection of Studio Joseph as the exhibition and storytelling partner for the Ana Mari Cauce Welcome Center. Based in New York, Studio Joseph is known for its nuanced understanding of brand expression and its skill in co‑creating environments that are both inspiring and authentic to the institutions they represent. 

News releases

May 12, 2026

Nobel Prize winner and Husky alumna Mary E. Brunkow to address graduates at UW’s 151st Commencement

Graduates at the University of Washington’s 151st Commencement, scheduled for Saturday, June 13, at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium, will hear from Mary E. Brunkow, Class of ’83, who shared the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.  

Environment | Global | Research | Science | UW News blog

May 11, 2026

Q&A: UW researchers discuss their work on the Mariana Islands and the impact of devastating early-season typhoon 

Super Typhoon Sinlaku caused widespread damage on the Mariana islands in April, leaving many people without power, tearing roofs off homes and destroying vital infrastructure. Several ongoing UW research projects focused on native birds and plants were disrupted.

Engineering | Health and medicine | Public Health | Research | Technology | UW News blog

UW researchers launch ‘little free pantry’ mapping pilot, internet-connected pantries in Seattle

University of Washington researchers launched a pilot app that maps ‘little free pantries’ throughout the Seattle area and gives pantry users and donors new tools to communicate with and help one another.

Environment | News releases | Research | Science

May 6, 2026

Near-miss tsunami in Alaska during tourist season last year highlights increasing environmental instability

A new analysis of a 481-meter tsunami generated by a landslide in Alaska’s popular Tracy Arm Fjord last summer describes how glacial retreat, due to global warming, primed the fjord for the colossal wave and what, if any, warning signs preceded it.

UW News blog

May 1, 2026

UW unveils this year’s Husky 100 — exemplary students from across all three campuses

The University of Washington unveiled the 2026 Husky 100, recognizing 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional students from the UW Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma campuses in all areas of study who are making the most of their time at the UW and are making an impact in their communities.

UW and the community | UW Notebook

April 29, 2026

Q&A: UW professor lends human rights expertise to FIFA, 2026 World Cup

Anita Ramasastry, a professor of law at the University of Washington, is an expert in the convergence of business and human rights. After the 2022 World Cup, FIFA made Ramasastry an independent advisor to its human rights subcommittee. Now, as the 2026 World Cup approaches, her involvement includes: chairing the human rights advisory group for FIFA 2026 and drafting the human rights action plan for host city Seattle.

Environment | News releases | News roundups | Research | Research highlights | Science

April 28, 2026

April research highlights: Sunbird tongues, Seattle fault, inbound asteroids, more

Explore recent research from the University of Washington: how sunbirds sip nectar through straw-like tongues, why the Seattle Fault might not pose as great a risk as previously thought, how to gauge landslide dam risk in the PNW, what marine microbes use for making meals and when the Simonyi Survey Telescope at the NSF-DOE Rubin Observatory will spot small inbound asteroids.

Engineering | News releases | Research | Technology

BikeButler map creates personalized routes for riders based on preferences like speed limits and road conditions

University of Washington researchers created BikeButler, a demo web app that lets users find personalized bike routes in Seattle. Cyclists plug in their destination and origin — just like in other mapping apps — and can then toggle sliders for eight attributes to create personalized route options.