April 9th, 2026

Research at the University of Utah is driven by a commitment to solving real-world problems, and improving lives in Utah and far beyond. That work often begins in moments that are easy to overlook: a new way of seeing a problem, a question that leads somewhere unexpected, or a discovery that opens the door to something more.

Last week, we had the privilege of hosting the inaugural Images of Research awards, highlighting the creativity and insight behind the work happening across our campus. The winning entries captured those moments.  Images captured the spark of discovery, the process of exploration, and the early stages of ideas that can lead to meaningful impact.

The Office of the Vice President for Research is focused on supporting that work as it moves forward. We connect people, resources, and partners across the university and beyond to help discoveries take shape and progress toward real-world application.

That is our mission and guides what we do every day. Whether it’s enabling research funding, building infrastructure, or strengthening partnerships, our role is to support researchers and help their work continue to grow and evolve.

We are proud of the all the work you are doing to keep research growing and energized by what’s ahead. As we continue to build Utah’s research future, we want you to know that we’re listening, we’re learning, and we’re here to support your work.

Erin Rothwell, PhD
Vice President for Research