The newly launched University of Iowa Education Innovation Hub (UI EIH) aims to create meaningful partnerships that connect research, service, professional learning, and innovation in ways that directly support Iowa schools and communities.  UI EIH Director, Kari Vogelgesang, centers a “research as service” philosophy for the initiative. 

“What are the biggest barriers, challenges, and questions your schools and districts are facing? Our goal is to help identify funding opportunities and co-create research and service projects that provide useful data and practical solutions for strategic decision-making,” says Vogelgesang.

Housed within the College of Education’s Baker Teacher Leader Center, the UI EIH has engaged an advisory council with broad experiences and insights into education, technology, business, and public health. Associate Dean of Research and UI EIH Research Lead, Ariel Aloe, is working to form partnerships with affiliated faculty across campus to weave expertise into practice for Iowa communities. “Our greatest opportunities emerge when researchers and communities work together–combining their knowledge and experience to solve important problems and improve people’s lives,” says Aloe.

"Our greatest opportunities emerge when researchers and communities work together." 

-Ariel Aloe

Additionally, the UI EIH is offering dozens of professional development and advancement opportunities for educators, counselors, and community leaders. Many events are free and open to the public, but licensure renewal credits are also available through registered courses.

Dean Daniel Clay says “The Iowa Education Innovation Hub is exactly the type of initiative we want to grow- helping turn research into practical applications for our schools and communities. I am excited to see the collaborations that arise.”

For more information, please visit: education.uiowa.edu/EIH.