A Welcome Note from the New Vice President for Research

I am excited to return to my doctoral alma mater and serve as vice president for research here at University of Iowa. The research, scholarship, and creative activities that occur on this campus are truly amazing. Our faculty, students, and staff conduct remarkable work that saves and improves lives in Iowa and beyond.

On behalf of my office, we are pleased to support your efforts. Our goal is to facilitate faculty, staff, postdoctoral, and student research productivity in all ways possible, including helping you navigate and remain compliant with applicable federal and state regulations.

It is not surprising that during my initial conversations on campus the latest changes in federal policy and budgets regularly come up. As both a researcher and research administrator myself, these are on my mind also. Many unknowns remain in our federal government surrounding research and research funding. We are all seeking answers. When news is available, we will share key changes with the campus community through our federal updates web page and in the Iowa New emails to faculty and staff.

In addition, I will continue to work closely with the university federal relations team, peer institutions, and other university leaders to advocate for the importance of the good work that you all are doing here in the Hawkeye State and beyond.

Thank you for your efforts to make the citizens of our state and the wider world happier, healthier, and more productive.

David C. Schwebel 
Vice President for Research

Nominate a student or postdoc for the downtown banner campaign

Help the university recognize the research, scholarship, and other creative activities of students and postdocs across a range of disciplines. Nominate outstanding undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers for the 2026 Dare to Discover banner campaign.

Get to know David Schwebel

Learn about David’s goals for the OVPR, background, time at Iowa in the 1990s, and how his research into youth safety influenced his approach to parenting.  

Review the updates to institutional limited submission policy and procedures

The Research Development Office has updated the institutional limited submission policy and procedures to improve clarity and transparency and give more preparation time. See how these changes may impact future submissions. 

Why am I getting research recruitment emails?

Faculty, staff, and students at Iowa receive regular emails from research teams seeking participation in their studies. These emails build on our community’s strong connections to identify research participants. Learn more.  

Join two renowned authors as they consider the range of voices that define America

The latest in the Creative Matters series features Kaveh Akbar, author of Martyr! and professor of English and creative writing, and Eve L. Ewing, a writer and associate professor at the University of Chicago. This is a free, public event. Register soon. Seats are going fast.  

Get help finishing your manuscript with Book Ends

This workshop supports UI faculty writing a book about their impactful research. You’ll receive actionable feedback from senior scholars on the manuscript, advice about presses, and a timeline that will get your book ready in six months. Sign up by Sept. 24.

Researchers-In-Residence advanced their work this summer

Learn how the Center for Social Science Innovation enabled five researchers to make progress on their projects.

Come to the Welcome Reception for David Schwebel

Join the university to welcome our new VPR!
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
4:30 – 6:00 p.m. with brief remarks at 5:15 p.m.
Rotunda, Levitt Center for University Advancement

See Research on the Silver Screen: Found in Translation

Meet families living in Cedar Rapids who emigrated from multiple countries in Africa. Seeded by an Interdisciplinary Scholars grant, School of Journalism and Mass Communication students and faculty share how their stories and values are shaping eastern Iowa. Reserve your free ticket.

As a part of the P3-funded Writing for the Public Good initiative, the University of Iowa is an institutional member of The Conversation, an independent news organization dedicated to unlocking the knowledge of academic experts for the public good. To learn how you can get your research published, contact Kristy Nabhan-Warren.

Here's a look at recent work published by campus authors.