University of Iowa researchers have had a busy 2025, conducting world-class work that improves the human condition in Iowa and across the country and world. UI faculty have already published more than 4,600 works so far this year.

The Office of the Vice President for Research continues to support UI scholars through funding, connections, critical trainings, and more. This month we feature opportunities and achievements from across campus.  

Apply for Arts & Humanities Initiative (AHI) funding 

Three grant types, worth up to $30,000, are available to support creative and scholarly work that advances humanist principles. Applications are due Oct. 14.  Want insights on how to put together a competitive proposal? Register by Sept. 22 for the AHI Unveiled info session.

Bring your bold research ideas for social determinants of health

Help shape new research directions that can position UI at the forefront of social determinants of mental and physical health research. Interdisciplinary teams are invited to apply for the first-of-its-kind Research Convergence Residency Program. Applications are due Oct. 13.  

Need help building a team? Register for the Micro Lab and/or complete the Networking Survey by Sept.18. 

Browse the 2025 Obermann Center Annual Report

The Obermann Center for Advanced Studies serves as a hub where ideas, people, and projects connect. In 2025, they helped spark hundreds of new collaborations, discoveries, publications, and curricula. 

• 205 UI faculty, students, and staff participated in research programming 
• 2,500+ public event attendees 

Read the report for the full impact. 

Take the new required research security training

Senior and key personnel submitting grants to some federal agencies—NSF, NIH, DoE, and potentially DoD—are now required to take research security training prior to submitting a proposal. The Research Integrity and Security Office has made the CITI Research Security Training, developed by NSF, available to UI researchers. Learn more about the course.

Heads up for international travelers

If you are traveling internationally for research-related purposes, federal law requires that you receive training on research security best practices. The Research Integrity and Security Office has embedded access to the required training into existing systems and no action is needed until you enter a trip into ProTrav. Learn more about the travel briefing.  

Catch the documentary about how UI medical research changes lives

Breath by Breath chronicles the lives of people affected by cystic fibrosis and groundbreaking research conducted at UI Health Care that transformed treatment. Watch the premier, followed by followed by a Q&A with UI physician Michael Welsh, on Sept. 30. A livestream will also be available. Register to receive a free ticket. 

Don’t miss Kaveh Akbar in conversation

UI Literary Legend Kaveh Akbar’s voice captures the very timely tensions between optimism and reckoning. In the Sept. 19 Creative Matters event, he will read from his award-winning writing and reflect on how art can help us envision a more just, imaginative future. Register for this free event.  

Reminder: Contact DSP with any federal grant notices

If you receive a notice about the status of an award from a federal agency, including a termination, stop work order, or request for certification, please forward it to the Division of Sponsored Programs (DSP) at dsp@uiowa.edu. DSP will help you to respond appropriately, following current institutional and federal guidance.

Join the next Research Administrator Meeting

The Research Administrator Meetings (RAMs) feature important discussions related to sponsored award administration. The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 18 at 11:00 a.m. The new requirements related to research security and international travel are on the agenda. Join the meeting via Zoom.