January 2026
Welcome to the January Edition of the IIB Newsletter!
2026 will be even Bolder
As 2025 draws to a close, we are energized by the opportunities before us and inspired by what we can achieve together. Building on a strong foundation of collaboration and innovation, the International Institute for Biosensing (IIB) is planning an exciting year focused on expanding interdisciplinary research, strengthening industry and global partnerships, and accelerating the translation of discovery into real-world sensing and diagnostic solutions.
A new lecture series is already underway, featuring renowned speakers and experts from diverse backgrounds. We are also planning several workshops spanning a wide range of topics to foster learning, collaboration, and exchange of ideas. Following the success of our first NanoDay, we are excited to announce plans for Pi Day 2026 and another NanoDay — continuing our commitment to inspiring the next generation.
Mark these dates in your calendars and stay tuned for many more exciting events — this is just a glimpse of what’s to come!
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.
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.
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
Call for Papers
Seventh World Conference on Remedies to Racial & Ethnic Economic Inequality
Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice
Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota
August 3 – 5, 2026
Submission Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:59pm CST
For three days next August, academics, legal scholars, civic leaders, policy makers, advocates, and activists committed to eliminating racial and ethnic inequality will gather to share the latest research, cutting edge programs and projects, and emerging approaches to develop new remedies to reduce economic inequality around the world.
The Seventh World Conference on Remedies to Racial & Ethnic Economic Inequality will foster a dialogue between those conducting rigorous academic research and those delivering practical programs to generate new ideas and tactics based on the latest evidence from academia and successful community efforts.
The conference will discuss and propose solutions along four themes:
- Global Collaboration for Impact, Community, & Ubuntu
- Youth & Leadership in the 21st Century
- The Future of Prosperity and New Economic Models
- Human Rights, Dignity, and the Future of Democracy
This Call for Papers is open to all academics, legal scholars, civic leaders, policy makers, advocates, and activists from across the globe – whether they focus on a single region or nation, or offer a cross-national/cross-continental perspective. Each proposal should be submitted in support of one of the four themes.
Research Opportunity Announcement for D2D at the Minnesota State Fair
Aug 27 – Sept 7, 2026
Submission Deadline: January 20, 2026
We invite faculty, students, and staff from the University of Minnesota to take advantage of this unique
opportunity to quickly and efficiently recruit fairgoers as participants in minimal-risk, human-subjects research at the Driven to Discover Research Facility (D2D) at the Minnesota State Fair from August 27 – September 7, 2026.
D2D allows fairgoers to participate in research in a fun, innovative, and convenient way. Most studies take under 20 minutes. D2D allows researchers to reach a more diverse pool of participants and meet recruitment goals in a matter of hours or days. Over 52,000 fairgoers visited D2D during the 2024 Fair.
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