Researchers led by the University of Iowa have described and named a new crocodile species that roamed a region in Africa more than 3 million years ago. The species is named Lucy’s hunter, because it overlapped with the famed Lucy and her hominin kin and would have hunted them.

UI Press books marked an exceptional year in 2025, earning national recognition for fiction, poetry, and scholarly work, including a Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize. These achievements continue to strengthen Iowa’s reputation as the “Writing University.”

Amanda Elkins, attorney and director of UI’s Student Legal Services, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Lola Lopes Award for Undergraduate Student Advocacy. Elkins has built a reputation for compassion, care, and commitment to ensuring that students receive free, high-quality legal support.

"Ultranatural," a new novel published by UI Press and written by Candice Wuehle of the UI Honors Program, arrives in bookstores April 14. It’s one of Iowa Magazine’s three current BookShelf Picks from UI authors, along with "Canon," by UI assistant professor of English Paige Lewis, and "Partially Devoured," by UI alum Daniel Kraus. Learn more about each book.

For a decade, Hawkeyes have come together to strengthen the University of Iowa through One Day for Iowa. Join colleagues, alumni, and friends on Wednesday, March 25, for our 24-hour giving day and say thank you to the programs and departments that made an impact on your life.

Accessible digital content ensures that everyone — regardless of ability — can navigate and engage with your website. Explore tools, tips, and trainings that make accessibility a built in part of your online presence.

Paige Beaudry, a nurse at UI Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, won her second Olympic gold medal as part of the U.S. Women’s Deaf National Soccer Team at the Deaflympics in Tokyo. The Deaflympics is an international multi-sport event for deaf athletes, recognized by the International Olympic Committee.

A University of Iowa-led research team has documented in humans that physical exercise sparks an increase in brain waves called ripples connecting areas in the brain linked to learning and memory. The researchers noted that a single exercise session spawns a spike in ripples and learning-memory connections.

The University of Iowa has named Colin Gordon the recipient of the 2026 UI Distinguished Chair, honoring his remarkable scholarship, teaching, and service. Gordon, a leading historian of American public policy and political economy, joins a select group of UI faculty who have made a significant impact in their fields and at the university.

Four Iowa faculty members — Casey DeRoo, Donika Kelly, Greg LeFevre, and Mary Weber — have been selected as recipients of the Iowa Mid-Career Faculty Scholar Awards for 2026. The award provides funding to tenured associate professors who have a national or international reputation in their disciplines and are exceptional teachers.

Fatima Toor, professor of electrical and computer engineering and Lowell G. Battershell Chair in Laser Engineering, has been named a 2026 Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors. The honor highlights emerging academic inventors who have demonstrated success in patents, licensing, commercialization, and research that positively impacts society.

Enrollment is open through March 13 for benefits-eligible employees to opt into MetLife short-term disability insurance, which can help replace part of your income if illness or injury prevents you from working. Coverage begins April 1. Learn more about the new, voluntary benefit and how to enroll.