February 2026
Welcome to the February Edition of the IIB Newsletter!
As we move into 2026, the International Institute for Biosensing (IIB) is energized by the opportunities ahead and inspired by what we can accomplish together. Building on a strong foundation of collaboration and innovation, this year will focus on expanding interdisciplinary research, strengthening industry and global partnerships, and accelerating the translation of discovery into real-world sensing and diagnostic solutions.
Our new lecture series is already underway, featuring renowned speakers and experts from diverse backgrounds. In the months ahead, we will host a variety of workshops designed to foster learning, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. This year, we are placing an even stronger emphasis on STEM engagement, with expanded programming and new opportunities aimed at inspiring students and educators alike. Following the success of our first NanoDay and Educator workshop, we are excited to announce plans for Pi Day 2026 and another Educator workshop and NanoDay, with many more STEM-focused events on the way.
Mark these dates on your calendars and stay tuned—this is just a glimpse of the exciting year ahead at IIB.
Upcoming Events
Join us for insightful seminars that delve into the world of biosensing and its foundational principles as well as its wide-ranging applications.
The IIB Precision Sensing Distinguished Lecture Series is designed to foster discussion on novel topics, innovative solutions and grand challenges in the field of Precision Sensing. These lectures are a fantastic opportunity to share insights, engage in meaningful discussions, and connect with fellow professionals in the field. If you have missed the previous talks please visit IIB Youtube Channel.
Estimating integrated biotic and abiotic environmental exposures at individual and community level
When: February 26th, 2026 at 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Where: Online
Prof. Ville Pimenoff is an adj. Professor in Oulu University, Finland and a visiting researcher in Karolinska Institutet, Sweden. He also has a research affiliate at Aqsens Health Ltd (https://aqsens.com/). He is working in close collaboration with Research Unit of Population Health and Biobank Borealis, Faculty of Medicine, Oulu University, Finland as well as Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology - CLINTECH, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden and Snyder Lab - Stanford University, US.
How Government Investments Empower the Next Generation of Innovators and Entrepreneurs
When: March 31st, 2026 at 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Where: Hybrid
Pat Dillon, CDR, USN (Ret.) is the Founder and CEO of MNSBIR, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as Minnesota’s primary statewide hub for SBIR/STTR outreach, education, and coaching. A nationally respected expert with more than three decades of experience, Pat has guided hundreds of technology firms through the federal R&D process, helping Minnesota companies secure more than $250 million in innovation funding and accelerating commercialization across sectors.
TBA
When: April 28th, 2026 at 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Where: Hybrid
Prof. Christy Haynes is the Head of Department of Chemistry and Distinguished McKnight Professor at university of Minnesota. Haynes has been recognized for her mentoring and advising efforts and has been named as The Analytical Scientist the Power List - Mentors and Educators in 2023.
Embodied Ecologies and Planetary Health
When: May 26th, 2026 at 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Where: Hybrid
Angelica Walton serves as Director of the Center for Planetary Health and Environmental Justice and as the Research & Scholarship Director for the Planetary Health North America Hub, where she advances holistic, justice-driven scholarship to empower communities and foster cross-sector collaboration. A Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, her work bridges planetary, healing justice, and regenerative systems design. Rooted in ecofeminist values, she integrates arts, storytelling, and place-based relationships into education and advocacy to cultivate interconnection, equity, and resilience. Dr. Walton partners with the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and leads local sustainability initiatives that center cultural healing and environmental stewardship. Across her roles, she uplifts nature based community wisdom, champions value-based leadership, and supports the restoration of health in relationship to land, body, and collective well-being.
Conferences and Seminars
[Center for Planetary Health and Environmental Justice] 7th Annual Planetary Health Guest Lecture
The Cancer–Climate Connection: Environmental Drivers of Cancer in the Climate Era
When: Feb 18th, 2026 at 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Where: Hybrid
The event features a keynote by Dr. AnnMarie Walton of the Duke Cancer Institute, followed by an interprofessional panel discussion spanning oncology, environmental health, biosensing, behavioral health, and policy. The lecture will be followed by an interprofessional panel discussion featuring Ryne Wilson, Kristi E. White and Patricia Khashayar, exploring pathways forward, from upstream prevention and biosensing to behavior change, equity, and the essential role of interprofessional collaboration. This gathering is designed to bring together partners across sectors and disciplines for dialogue focused on sustainability, health equity, and climate-informed solutions. Participation is welcome both in person and virtually.
[Consortium on Law & Values] Annual Research Ethics Day Conference 2026 — The Future of Research Ethics: Threats & Opportunities
When: Mar 4th, 2026 at 9:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Where: Online
On Wednesday, March 4, the Consortium on Law & Values at the University of Minnesota is hosting the Annual Research Ethics Day Conference 2026 — The Future of Research Ethics: Threats & Opportunities, a free online event focused on the future of research ethics and how to preserve key safeguards while making improvements. Join national experts from multiple disciplines and perspectives to consider a wide range of questions: what is the current state of research ethics, how can we strengthen Institutional Review Boards and research oversight, what steps will best support research integrity and trustworthy science, what strategies will advance ethics in community-engaged research, and how should research ethics evolve to manage emerging technologies including artificial intelligence.
Save the Date
2026 Research Computing Exhibition!
When: April 24th, 2026
This is our 17th annual event, where attendees and sponsors will have an opportunity to learn about the diverse set of resources offered by Research Computing and the leading-edge research being performed by our University of Minnesota faculty, students, and staff.
Living Earth Initiative: Earth in Balance
When: April 24th, 2026
Outreach & Accreditation
We’re expanding our reach!
IIB is now sharing news, insights, and stories across multiple platforms. You can now connect with us on:
LinkedIn – for professional updates and collaborations
Instagram /Facebook – for a closer look at our community, research, and impact
Youtube - for the recording of our LectureSeries
Our goal is to make our work more accessible, highlight the people behind the science, and spark conversations that drive innovation in biosensing. Follow us wherever you are and be part of the journey toward shaping the future of health and technology.
CE Credits Now Offered Through IIB & IEEE Collaboration
IIB is proud to announce a new collaboration with IEEE to offer Continuing Education (CE) credits for most of its upcoming Lecture Series. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to advancing professional development and lifelong learning in the biomedical and engineering communities. Participants attending eligible lectures will now have the opportunity to earn CE credits that support their ongoing certification and career growth.
Contact IIB to learn how to claim your CE credits
Precision Sensing Credly Badge offered for IIB Lecture Series
IIB is excited to announce that attendees of the IIB Lecture Series can now earn official "Precision Sensing" Credly badges! This digital badge is a recognition of your engagement with cutting-edge research and innovation in biosensing, smart diagnostics, and related fields. Once you've completed 6 hours, your badge will be issued via Credly, a trusted platform for digital credentials. Start collecting hours now — and showcase your expertise in Precision Sensing to your peers, networks, and future collaborators!
Contact IIB to receive your Credly badge