UO microscope points to more efficient solar fuels devices

First published in Around the O on October 10th. A fundamental discovery made with a specially equipped microscope in a University of Oregon laboratory is pointing toward a new design strategy for devices that can produce hydrogen from sunlight.  

Conover to deliver annual talk on UO research accomplishments

First published in Around the O on October 7th. Scholarship, scientific inquiry and innovation will receive top billing at the State of Research talk, scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14, in the Erb Memorial Union Crater Lake rooms. David Conover, UO vice president for research and innovation, will deliver the annual address, which will take a closer look at the growth and impact of the university’s research enterprise in 2018-19. “It’s an opportunity to recognize faculty who have won significant research awards or made great discoveries and to look forward to the year ahead,” Conover said. “Our researchers and scholars had some outstanding achievements, and it’s because of them that our research profile continues to increase.” In his talk, Conover will highlight accomplishments, drill down on performance metrics and offer a road map for the future of research and innovation. Open to all members of the university community and the public, the talk will include opening remarks by UO President Michael H. Schill. The 2020 fiscal year has only just begun, but the UO is already off to a fast start, Conover said. Major investments are being made in research tools, infrastructure improvements, research administration software and other resources. And large research grants addressing the epidemic of opioid abuse, earthquake preparedness and the expansion and modernization of UO zebrafish facilities have been awarded. As the UO looks ahead to the opening of the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact in 2020, research and innovation will continue to play a central role, Conover said. “Research creates jobs, improves human health, generates new knowledge and creates solutions to some of our most vexing challenges,” Conover said. “It’s a great time to celebrate our accomplishments and prepare for the exciting developments that lie ahead.”

SPICE will hold its annual Science Open House on Oct. 9

First published in Around the O on October 3rd. Science lovers of all ages will descend on the UO science complex Oct. 9 to join in the ninth annual UO Science Open House. Kids, families and teachers can choose from more than 20 hands-on activities presented by science outreach groups from on and off campus. Activities include the amazing egg drop, skulls and bones, rock detectives, and the science pentathlon. Pentathletes who participate in five or more activities can collect a prize — while supplies last.

Astronomy Research: An Asteroid Revealed

First published in around the O, As dusk creeps over the high desert of central Oregon on a cool September evening, a small but fiercely enthusiastic group of University of Oregon students can hardly contain their glee. Obsessed by stars, gaga over galaxies, drawn to the infinite mysteries of the universe, they are planning to stay up all night at the UO Pine Mountain Observatory.

October abounds with art and entertainment options

First published in Around the O. With campus abuzz at the start of a new academic year, you won’t have to look far for fall art and culture. Straddling the months of September and October is Latinx Heritage Month. Be sure to check out the many events celebrating this rich culture, including the “Common Seeing” exhibition that complements the 2019-20 Common Reading of “Under the Feet of Jesus” by Helena Maria Viamontes. Take a break from class and do some coloring at Freebie Friday in the Erb Memorial Union, check out the legendary “gonzo” artwork of Ralph Steadman at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art or enjoy an array of music events on tap this month.

UO is leading an effort to speed up tsunami warnings

First published in Around the O. A sea change may be coming in the way tsunami warnings are issued worldwide, and University of Oregon researchers are steering the effort — with a project using GPS in the Cascadia subduction zone — to deliver them within five minutes of an earthquake.

Community Welcome block party returns Friday, October 25 with Homecoming Parade and pep rally

'Dreamer' campaign raises matching funds for scholarships

First published in Around the O on September 17th. The Supreme Court will hear arguments on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in November, but the Dreamers Working Group at the University of Oregon isn’t waiting to take action.

UO provost awarded $1.8 million to study evolutionary genetics

First published in Around the O on September 10th, 2019. Patrick Phillips, professor of biology and the UO’s recently named provost, has received a $1.8 million Outstanding Investigator Award from the National Institutes of Health.