Skip to content

The latest news from the UW

Arts and entertainment | UW Notebook

March 7, 2024

ArtSci Roundup: Mark Morris Dance Group, Psychology Seminar, Screening Queer Hong Kong, and more

This week, head to Meany Hall for The Look of Love performance by the Mark Morris Dance Group, learn about recent research at a clinical seminar hosted by the Department of Psychology, tune into a book talk with the Japan Studies Program, and more. March 12, 11:30 am – 12:50 pm | Psychology Cross-Area Clinical Seminar with Tyler Jimenez, Ph.D., University of Washington, Kincaid Hall The Department of Psychology invites Assistant Professor of Psychology, Tyler Jimenez, to talk on Neoliberal…

Environment | News releases | Research | Science

March 6, 2024

Scientists CT-scanned thousands of natural history specimens, which you can access for free

Natural history museums have entered a new stage of discovery and accessibility — one where scientists around the globe and curious folks at home can access valuable museum specimens to study, learn or just be amazed. This new era follows the completion of openVertebrate, or oVert, a five-year collaborative project among 18 institutions to create 3D reconstructions of vertebrate specimens and make them freely available online. The team behind this endeavor, which includes scientists at the University of Washington and its Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture, published a summary of the project March 6 in the journal BioScience, offering a glimpse of how the data can be used to ask new questions and spur the development of innovative technology.

Official notices

March 1, 2024

Public Notice: UWMC-Northwest Major Institution Master Plan Final EIS

Project Name: UWMC-Northwest Major Institution Master Plan (MIMP) Final EIS Proponent & Lead Agency: University of Washington Description of Proposal: The UW Medical Center – Northwest Major Institution Master Plan update will allow for space on the campus to accommodate projected population growth and corresponding increase in healthcare demands. It would also allow for replacing aging campus facilities with more energy efficient, lower maintenance, and appropriate systems for today’s medical center functional requirements. The Master Plan will include design guidelines…

Arts and entertainment | UW Notebook

February 29, 2024

ArtSci Roundup: First Wednesday Concert Series, Book Talks, Ethnomusicology Visiting Artist Concert and more

This week, enjoy the First Wednesday Concert Series in Allen Library, be awed by Ethnomusicology Visiting Artist Concert with Shoji Kameda, attend book talks, and more. March 4, 2:30 – 4:30 pm | Annual Graduate Student Invited Lecturer | Know Your Place, Know Your Calling: Geography, Race, and Kant’s ‘World-Citizen’, Denny Hall Graduate students in the Department of German Studies have invited Georgetown University Professor, Huaping Lu-Adler, author of Kant, Race, and Racism: Views from Somewhere (Oxford, 2023) to give a…

Engineering | Expert quotes | Health and medicine | News releases | Science

Q&A: How a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease could also work for Type 2 diabetes

Alzheimer’s disease and Type 2 diabetes are part of a family of amyloid diseases that are characterized by having proteins that cluster together. UW researchers have demonstrated more similarities between the two diseases.

News releases

February 28, 2024

UW graduate receives prestigious Gates Cambridge scholarship

Sonia Fereidooni, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Washington, was selected for the prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Fereidooni, 22, will receive a full-cost scholarship to pursue doctoral work in Digital Humanities at the University of Cambridge, England. The highly competitive scholarship brings recognition of accomplishments and future promise. This year, 26 students from 20 institutions across the United States were selected. Fereidooni was born in Eastern Canada and raised in rural Washington. While an undergraduate at the…

Environment | News releases | Research | Science

80 mph speed record for glacier fracture helps reveal the physics of ice sheet collapse

New research documents the fastest-known large-scale breakage along an Antarctic ice shelf. In 2012, a 6.5-mile crack formed in about 5 and a half minutes, showing that ice shelves can effectively shatter, though the speed of breakage is reduced by seawater rushing in. These results can help improve ice-sheet models and projections for future sea level rise.

Arts and entertainment | UW Notebook

February 22, 2024

ArtSci Roundup: War in the Middle East Lecture Series, Dance Majors Concert, Borden Lecture in Theoretical Chemistry, and more

This week, attend the War in the Middle East Lecture Series, check out the Dance Majors Concert, listen to the Weston and Sheila Borden Endowed Lecture in Theoretical Chemistry, and more. February 26, 7:30 pm | Baroque Ensemble: Telemannia, Brechemin Auditorium The UW Baroque Ensemble, led by director Tekla Cunningham, will perform works by Telemann and Couperin, including two of Telemann’s Paris quartets, the orchestral suite La Bizarre and François Couperin’s L’apothéose de Corelli. Free | More info February 27, 2:00…

Administrative affairs | News releases

Admitted students to the UW now have until June 1 to commit, a result of FAFSA delays

The University of Washington is extending the confirmation date for newly admitted freshman undergraduate students from May 1 to June 1 for the 2024-25 academic year. June 1 is now the date when admitted students must confirm their acceptance and place a deposit to hold their spot in the fall 2024 entering class. 

News releases

February 20, 2024

UW computer scientists and chemist named Sloan Fellows

Three University of Washington faculty members have been awarded early-career fellowships from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The new Sloan Fellows, announced Feb. 20, are Simon S. Du and Adriana Schulz, both assistant professors in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, and Alexandra Velian, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Arts and entertainment | UW Notebook

February 15, 2024

ArtSci Roundup: The Big Read, DXARTS Winter Concert, LOVERULES Exhibition and more

This week, attend the “Big Read” conversation with Dr. Joy Buolamwini, visit the Henry Art Gallery for Hank Willis Thomas’ LOVERULES Exhibition, head to the Seattle Art Museum for “Tides of Times: A Conversation On Maritime Asia in Art and Trade” and more. February 20, 1:00 pm | The Big Read: Keynote Conversation with the Author, Husky Union Building The College of Arts & Sciences welcomes the UW community of faculty, staff, and students to participate in the second annual…

Arts and entertainment | UW Notebook

February 8, 2024

ArtSci Roundup: Journeys of Black Mathematicians, Circa Performance, Building Scyborgs Lecture, and more

This week, head to Kane Hall for the film screening of Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Forging Resilience, attend K. Wayne Yang’s discussion on scyborgs and decolonization, enjoy next level circus by the Australian contemporary circus group Circa, and more. February 12, 3:30 – 5:00 pm | Black Soldiers and the Racial Debilitation of Slavery and the Civil War, Smith Hall As part of the History Colloquium, Professor La Tasha Levy will discuss “Black Soldiers and the Racial Debilitation of Slavery and…

News releases | Research | Science

Foul fumes pose pollinator problems

Scientists at the University of Washington have discovered that nighttime air pollution — coming primarily from car exhaust and power plant emissions — is responsible for a major drop in nighttime pollinator activity. Nitrate radicals (NO3) in the air degrade the scent chemicals released by a common wildflower, drastically reducing the scent-based cues that its chief pollinators rely on to locate the flower. The findings, published Feb. 9 in Science, are the first to show how nighttime pollution creates a chain of chemical reactions that degrades scent cues, leaving flowers undetectable by smell. The researchers also determined that pollution likely has worldwide impacts on pollination.

Engineering | Expert quotes | News releases | Research | Technology

February 7, 2024

Q&A: Helping robots identify objects in cluttered spaces

Robots in warehouses and even around our houses struggle to identify and pick up objects if they are too close together, or if a space is cluttered. This is because robots lack what psychologists call “object unity,” or our ability to identify things even when we can’t see all of them. Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a way to teach robots this skill.

Engineering | News releases | Research | Technology

UW-developed smart earrings can monitor a person’s temperature

University of Washington researchers introduced the Thermal Earring, a wireless wearable that continuously monitors a user’s earlobe temperature. Potential applications include tracking signs of ovulation, stress, eating and exercise. The smart earring prototype is about the size and weight of a small paperclip and has a 28-day battery life.

Arts and entertainment | UW Notebook

February 1, 2024

ArtSci Roundup: The Big Read, Guest Pianist Recital, Neuroinclusive Teaching Strategies, and more

This week, check out the Guest Pianist Recital with Alexandre Dossin, learn about neurodiverse teaching strategies with Hala Annabi, attend The Big Read hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences, and more. February 6, 7:30 pm | Guest Pianist Recital: Alexandre Dossin, University of Oregon, Brechemin Auditorium The School of Music has invited pianist Alexandre Dossin from the University of Oregon for a solo recital. Alexandre Dossin is a graduate of the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory (Russia) and holds a…

Official notices

January 31, 2024

Determination of non-significance: Anderson Hall Renovation

Pursuant to the provisions of WAC 197-11-340 and WAC 478-324-140, the University of Washington hereby provides public notice of: DETERMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANCE Project Name: Anderson Hall Renovation Proponent/Lead Agency: University of Washington–Seattle Campus Comment Period Closes: February 14, 2024 Description of Proposal: The proposed University of Washington Anderson Hall project is intended to provide interior renovation to the existing classroom, offices, and other program spaces to improve building systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation), structural and unreinforced masonry improvements,…

Official notices

Determination of non-significance: Lot E18 Solar Canopy Project

Pursuant to the provisions of WAC 197-11-340 and WAC 478-324-140, the University of Washington hereby provides public notice of: DETERMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANCE Project Name: Lot E18 Solar Canopy Project Proponent/Lead Agency: University of Washington–Seattle Campus Comment Period Closes: February 14 2024 Description of Proposal: The University is proposing to install an approximately 4,820 SF solar canopy over 30 existing parking spaces in parking lot E18.  The solar canopy would generate approximately 84kW of electrical power connecting to the City of…

Engineering | News releases | Science

January 30, 2024

Using computers to design proteins allows researchers to make tunable hydrogels that can form both inside and outside of cells

New research led by the UW demonstrates a new class of hydrogels that can form not just outside cells, but also inside of them. These hydrogels exhibited similar mechanical properties both inside and outside of cells, providing researchers with a new tool to group proteins together inside of cells.

Environment | Research | Science | UW News blog

January 29, 2024

Q&A: How ‘slow slip’ earthquakes may be driven by deep hydraulic fracturing

New research confirms the cause of slow slip along the Cascadia Subduction Zone and other faults that is accompanied by intermittent tremors or “pops” at the surface. Co-authors Marine Denolle and Joan Gomberg discuss the role of fluid-driven fracturing deep underground.

Arts and entertainment | UW Notebook

January 25, 2024

ArtSci Roundup: Katz Distinguished Lecture, Book Talks, Michelle Cann Piano Performance, and more

This week, listen to the Katz Distinguished Lecture series led by Sasha Su-Ling Welland, join a book talk event with Dr. Alexander Bubb, be awed by Michelle Cann’s piano performance, and more. January 26, 10:00 – 11:00 am | 18/19 GRC Book Talk: Asian Classics on the Victorian Bookshelf with Dr. Alexander Bubb, Zoom UW Textual Studies will host a virtual book talk event with Dr. Alexander Bubb on his latest book, Asian Classics on the Victorian Bookshelf. There will…

Social science | UW News blog

January 23, 2024

Report on Washington’s Extended Foster Care program shows successful ways to support more young adults

The state of Washington’s Extended Foster Care program — in which young adults ages 18-21 can continue to receive some support — could help even more people by expanding participation, providing greater flexibility in eligibility criteria, and extending benefits, according to a new report from the University of Washington.

Environment | News releases | Research | Science

January 22, 2024

Shallow soda lakes show promise as cradles of life on Earth

Field observations from an unusual lake show that in environments known as “soda lakes” phosphate can concentrate at the very high levels needed for the basic molecules of life to emerge. A shallow, salty lake in western Canada gives new support to Charles Darwin’s idea that life could have emerged in a “warm little pond.”

UW and the community | UW Notebook

January 19, 2024

UW military rhetoric instructor explores trauma through poetry, writing

Abby Murray doesn’t have a military background, but she is an instructor and fellowship director for the U.S. Army War College fellowship program at the University of Washington. She’s also a poet who has hosted free writing workshops at locations including community centers, military posts and immigration detention centers.

Administrative affairs | Buildings and grounds | News releases | UW and the community

January 18, 2024

Preliminary permit process starting for UW housing redevelopment plan

University of Washington development partner Greystar submitted permit numbers paperwork this week for a multiphase plan to invest in some of the University’s existing housing in the neighborhoods east of the main Seattle campus to increase housing options, affordability for its students, faculty, and families, and improve student housing quality.

Arts and entertainment | UW Notebook

ArtSci Roundup: History Lecture Series, Meany Center Dance Performance, “A Kabluna” Film Screening, and more

This week, attend the History Lecture Series on Mediterranean Imprints and Erasures in Seattle, view the film screening of A Kabluna at the University of Washington, head to Meany Hall to enjoy Spain’s premiere dance group Compañía Nacional de Danza, and more. January 22, 7:30 pm | Frequency: Variations, Meany Hall Chamber group Frequency—violinists Michael Jinsoo Lim and Jennifer Caine Provine, violist Melia Watras, and cellist Sarah Rommel—performs works by Benjamin Britten, Felix Mendelssohn, Kaija Saariaho and the world premiere of a new…

News releases

January 12, 2024

UW finance, planning and budgeting merge to better serve faculty, staff and students

President Ana Mari Cauce and Provost Tricia Serio announced an organizational and leadership restructuring in the areas of finance, planning and budgeting aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of these areas’ service to the University community. The changes, which take effect Tuesday, Jan. 16, come after an external review determined a unified organization will better serve faculty and academic personnel, as well as staff and students.