At the University of Utah, research is more than an academic pursuit—it’s a public good. It’s how we heal, build, imagine, and solve. Every lab, every dataset, every field of study contributes to something larger: a shared effort to improve lives in Utah and far beyond.
Right now, your work matters more than ever—not just in the lab, but in the public conversation. Across the country, questions about the value of science and public investment in research are gaining volume. This moment calls for clarity, for confidence, and for participation.
Many of you have asked, “What can I do to help?”
The answer is simple: keep telling your story.
When you talk about the real-world impact of your research—on patients, communities, industries, and students—you help people understand why research matters. When you share how public funding fuels discovery and innovation, you become a trusted voice in shaping the future of science. When you speak from your experience, with honesty and purpose, people listen—and that’s where change begins.
To support you in this, we’ve created a short reference guide on how to navigate conversations confidently, and how to access resources like media training and strategic messaging support.
Let’s meet this moment together.
Let’s make the impact of research visible, personal, and undeniable.
Erin Rothwell, PhD
Vice President for Research
