The Office of Research and Economic Development will celebrate the research and creative accomplishments of University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty and students during Nebraska Research Days, Nov. 1-5.

The week includes annual Research Days events — including the Faculty Recognition Celebration, Research and Creative Activity Faculty Slam and the Nebraska Lecture, plus guest speakers on diversity, equity and inclusion and the Grand Challenges. Register now to participate, be eligible for prizes and celebrate the collective impact of Nebraska Research. The complete schedule is below.

2021 Fall Nebraska Research Days

Nov. 1

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (in person) — Grand Challenges Lunch and Learn, featuring guest speaker Jennifer Lyon Gardner, deputy vice president for research at the University of Texas at Austin, who will share her experience implementing Bridging Barriers, UT Austin’s research grand challenges program. Registration is required.

4 to 6 p.m. (in person) — Innovator Celebration hosted by NUtech Ventures. Registration is required.

Nov. 2

11 a.m. to noon (virtual) — Grand Challenges Request for Proposals Town Hall, an opportunity to learn about the Grand Challenges Catalyst Competition and ask questions about the RFP requirements. Faculty may submit questions in advance to grandchallenges@unl.edu. Registration is required.

4 to 6 p.m. (in person) — Research and Creative Activity Faculty Slam featuring scholars from a range of disciplines presenting their work in an interactive, engaging manner. Slam attendees will vote on the best presenter, who will receive a $1,000 prize. Registration is required. Faculty talks include:

• Ciera Kirkpatrick, assistant professor of advertising and public relations, will present “Mass Media’s Effects on Health and How Strategic Communication Can Aid in Achieving Health Equity.”
• Sarah Zuckerman, assistant professor of educational administration, will present “Nebraska Schools Hub: A Multidisciplinary Educational Improvement Hub.”
• Mark Griep, professor of chemistry, will present “STEM Literacy Group is Looking for Partners.”

Nov. 3

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Nebraska Research Days keynote event featuring Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman on the importance and future of diversity, equity and inclusion in research and academia. In-person and virtual options are offered.

3:30 to 5 p.m. (virtual) — Nebraska Lecture with Julia McQuillan, Willa Cather Professor of sociology, titled “Disruptive Questions and Productive Tensions: What Can Social Scientists Bring to Teams Seeking Equity?” The Nebraska Lecture includes a live Q&A session moderated by Chancellor Ronnie Green and is open to the public. Registration required.

Nov. 4

2 to 5 p.m. (in person) — Birthday Party/Open House at Morrill Hall celebrating the 150th anniversary of the University of Nebraska State Museum, with free admission, prizes and activities for faculty, staff and their families, students and the public. Cookies and other refreshments will be served. Activities include a scavenger hunt, selfies with Archie, reopening of the Mueller Planetarium, Visible Lab “Meet a Scientist,” and the newest exhibit, “Hidden Prairie: Exploring Life in One Square Meter.” Activities for researchers, from 2-4 p.m., include discussing ways to engage the public as a Visible Lab scientist, exploring how to expand digital reach to school-age audiences with virtual programs and identifying ways to support the community with research and instructional activities.

Nov. 5

10 to 11 a.m. (virtual) — Faculty Recognition Celebration with prizes, videos and a keynote message from Bob Wilhelm, vice chancellor for research and economic development. Registration required.

Watch @UNLresearch social media channels for more details during the week and share photos as you celebrate with us using the #ResearchDays hashtag.