By Xoel Cardenas, Sr. Communications Specialist, Office of the Vice President for Research

From energy innovation and water sustainability to global rankings and breakthrough research, 2025 showcased the University of Utah’s growing research leadership on the state, national, and global stage.

Throughout the year, The Research Post highlighted the research, strategy, and people turning ideas into impact. These 10 stories stand out as just a few defining moments of 2025 — capturing how U research is shaping the future and building momentum for what comes next.

Gov. Cox and VPR Rothwell Call for Bold Innovation to Shape Utah’s Energy and Economic Future

At Utah Energy Week, Gov. Spencer Cox and University of Utah Vice President for Research Erin Rothwell outlined a shared vision: Accelerate innovation, strengthen partnerships, be bold and educate our future workforce earlier to help strengthen Utah’s energy and economic future.

U of U VPR Strategic Plan 2025-2030 Outlines Bold Path for Research and Innovation

Our Strategic Plan is built to ensure U Research continues its rich legacy in fostering innovation that brings discoveries to our world.

Utah Gov. Cox Celebrates U Research as Engine of Innovation and Breakthroughs

Gov. Cox calls the U’s new research facility a launchpad for innovation—and a symbol of Utah’s growing leadership in science, tech, and discovery.

Global Ranking Highlights U of U’s Innovation and Research Impact

The University of Utah is gaining national and global recognition for the work it’s doing close to home — and around the world — as it was named one of the top 150 universities worldwide in the 2025–26 U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities rankings.

Report: University of Utah ranks second in the nation in universities with highest likelihood of producing unicorn companies

The U’s stellar ranking is just one more example of how our university contributes to the state of Utah’s continued success for startups and an economic driver.

Utah DCC to Help Lead Global Effort to Extend Healthy Aging Through XPRIZE

In a global effort to improve how we age, the University of Utah has joined forces with XPRIZE to support the Healthspan competition—a 7-year, $101 million initiative aimed at closing the gap between how long we live and how well we live.

A Day in the Life of the VPR: Strategy, Stillness, and the Future of Research

We followed Dr. Erin Rothwell through a single day of big ideas, quiet rituals, billion-dollar impact, and handwritten kindness — proving that the future of research is as human as it is bold.

U’s PEAK Water Engine to Play Major Role in Helping Bring Water Sustainability Solutions to Utah and Beyond

PEAK Water Sustainability Engine brings together researchers, policymakers, and communities to develop innovative, collaborative solutions addressing critical water sustainability challenges in Utah and beyond.

Report: Utah Leads Nation in Innovation Capacity; University of Utah Supports Thriving Ecosystem

Utah’s innovation ecosystems — powered by higher ed institutions like the U, a skilled workforce, a collaborative culture and thriving startups — are driving economic growth, creating jobs and delivering transformative solutions.

WATCH: Highlights and interviews from the 2025 RAC Grand Challenge

In this video, we show some of the event’s highlights, as 17 teams presented their innovations to a panel of judges to decide who would be awarded seed grants of up to $250,000.