Seminars will be held in - Beckman 1005, unless otherwise noted

Tuesday, September 1, 2026
NSP Faculty Mixer

Tuesday, September 8, 2026
"Topological Brain Maps and the Shape of Thought," by Marty Sereno, Emeritus Professor Psychology, San Diego State University Adjunct Professor Cognitive Science, University of California San Diego

Tuesday, September 15, 2026
"Neural mechanisms of group living," by Aubrey M. Kelly, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Program, Emory University

Check out the full Seminar Schedule HERE

Curious About Writing for The Conversation?

Join us for a casual 30-minute virtual conversation about a new LAS pilot program supporting faculty engagement with The Conversation, a nonprofit news organization that works with academics to bring research and expertise to broad public audiences.

Trish Barker and Erika Smith will share information about how The Conversation works, resources available through the pilot, tips for pitching article ideas or responding to editor requests, and what participation in the pilot program will involve. We'll also discuss the information we'd like to collect from participants to help assess and improve the program.

This is an informal, optional session with plenty of time for questions. Whether you're actively considering publishing with The Conversation or simply want to learn more, we hope you'll join us.

Virtual | 30 Minutes

The Center for Writing Studies will be offering an online, two-day, introductory Writing Across the Curriculum seminar for Teaching Assistants (TAs) on August 19-20 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. This professional development seminar includes synchronous workshop components, and participants will be asked to prepare materials before each synchronous session.  The event is a great way for TAs to learn more about teaching writing, responding to writing, and using writing to support learning.  

Faculty: If you're working with TAs who will be teaching Advanced Composition or other writing-intensive courses, you may nominate them for participation in the seminar using this nomination form. Space is limited. To ensure full consideration, please submit nominations by the end of the day on July 22.

Teaching Assistants: If you are a TA who is interested in attending the seminar, you may apply directly using this application form. Space is limited, and enrollment preference will be given to those teaching a writing intensive course in the upcoming semester and those who have not had the chance to participate in the last two semesters. Please apply by no later than the end of the day on July 29.

TA participants will also receive a small stipend for participating in the seminar and must be eligible to receive payment in order to participate.

Resources for Researchers Office Hours: Meet Your Campus Experts
Connecting You to Tools, Expertise, and Support for Research Excellence

We are delighted to invite you to the Resources for Researchers Office Hours, a monthly opportunity to connect directly with the university's leading research support professionals. Whether you are a seasoned investigator, an early-career scholar, or a student beginning your research journey, this event connects you with critical resources and guidance tailored to your needs.

Featured Campus Experts

• Chuck Thompson – Director, Illinois Computes, NCSA
  Illinois Computes supports researchers with advanced computational resources, applications, data storage solutions, and expert consultation to help maximize research output across disciplines. Chuck brings years of experience in supporting the IT and research computing needs of researchers. 
• Maryalice Wu – Director, CITL Data Analytics
  Maryalice leads CITL's Data Analytics team, providing statistical consulting, survey design, and data support for research and student success projects across campus.
• Sara Benson – Copyright Librarian, University Library
  Sara helps researchers navigate copyright, licensing, and fair use, so your work stays protected and shareable, from publication through data reuse.
• Amy Hovious – Associate Director of Research Enablement, Office of the CIO
  Amy coordinates research enablement initiatives, ensuring scholars have seamless access to technology, collaboration platforms, and specialized support required for successful project delivery. Her expertise bridges technical services and research administration, providing a holistic support experience.
• Josh Henry – Assistant Director, Research Collaborative Services, Office of the CIO (Host)
  Josh facilitates cross-campus partnerships for collaborative research, offering expertise in digital tools, secure communication, and resource integration. His work empowers teams to connect, share, and innovate effectively, regardless of discipline or project scope.

Why Attend?

• Engage directly with campus leaders who understand the challenges and opportunities facing today's researchers.
• Discover tools, platforms, and services designed to streamline and strengthen your research workflow.
• Receive personalized advice, best practices, and strategic support tailored to your project.
• Network with peers and form collaborations across departments and disciplines.
• Access ongoing assistance and connect with a community committed to research excellence.

Event Details
The Resources for Researchers Office Hours are open to all members of the campus research community. No registration is required, simply stop by, ask questions, and learn more about how our experts can support you.

Join Us
Meet representatives from Illinois Computes, CITL Data Analytics, the University Library, and Research Enablement, and discover a wealth of tools and support to propel your research initiatives forward. All are welcome!

A workshop series consisting of: 

1. A general overview of academic jobs and the job search process + CVs (Tue. Aug. 25) 
2. Cover Letters & Research Statements (Thur. Aug. 27) 
3. Teaching & Diversity Statements (Thur. Sept. 3) 
4. Job market/special session for international students (Thur. Sept. 10) 
5. Alt-ac jobs and talk with alumni (TBA) (ZOOM) 

The Discovery Partners Institute invites University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign faculty to attend an upcoming Town Hall to learn about a new opportunity to build the next Research Themes at DPI. DPI’s inaugural Call for Research Theme Proposals will support interdisciplinary faculty teams pursuing ambitious research in: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Future Computing Technologies (including Quantum Computing) and AI-Enabled Applications (AI+X).

During the Town Hall, DPI leadership will provide an overview of the opportunity, including research priorities, proposal expectations, available DPI and Chicago resources, and the review/selection/renewal processes. Faculty will also have an opportunity to ask questions about developing interdisciplinary teams and positioning proposed research within DPI’s Chicago-based research ecosystem. 

LAS Faculty Writing Program Information Session

August 27, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. | Lincoln Hall 2043

Interested in making more consistent progress on a manuscript, grant proposal, book project, creative work, or other scholarly endeavor?

Join the LAS Office of Research to learn about the new LAS Faculty Writing Program, a recurring series of hybrid writing sessions designed to provide dedicated writing time, accountability, and a supportive community of scholars. Participants work independently on their own projects while benefiting from structured sessions and encouragement from colleagues across disciplines.

During this information session, we'll review the program format, discuss expectations and participation options, and answer questions about joining a writing group. Whether you're looking to establish a sustainable writing routine, advance a specific project, or simply carve out protected time for scholarship, this program is designed to help.

Weekly Writing Sessions on Mondays @ 1:00-4:00 p.m. and Thursdays @ 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Participants may attend in person or remotely.

The program is open to faculty, postdoctoral researchers, research scientists, and research specialists at all career stages. Come learn how the Faculty Writing Program can help you prioritize your scholarship and connect with a community committed to sustained writing and research productivity.