What is a Living Lab?

A living lab is a dynamic space that leverages campus for experiential learning through teaching and research beyond the traditional classroom. It also fosters improved mental health and overall well-being for both campus and community members.

Where are the Living Labs?

Living labs are everywhere!  They are any place on campus that can be used for teaching, learning, or research.  Below are a few examples of spaces to explore.

Tree Planting

The Andy Dahl Miyawaki Forest

The Andy Dahl Miyawaki Forest is a half-acre reforestation site located on the hillside northeast of Hillcrest Residence Hall and the largest Miyawaki forest in Iowa. As a living lab, the forest offers a unique, hands-on environment for students to learn about ecological restoration, sustainability, and the importance of campus and community collaboration.
Pharmacy Building and Roots of Medicine

Roots of Medicine

Roots of Medicine is medicinal garden formed as a collaboration between the College of Pharmacy, Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, and community members. Historical drawings and prints of the plants, information on the plant’s historical and modern medicinal uses, and a feed of the most current research are all provided through QR codes in the garden.
ashton priaire

Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory

Situated on the University of Iowa's Ashton Cross Country Course, the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory (APLL) is an educational and research facility for UI students and researchers and the local community.
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Maps of Living Labs

What do Hawkeyes Say About Living Labs?

"These spaces are vital to the student experience and the success of our classes."

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So Many Researchers on Campus, So Much of Campus to Research

people collecting field data

1 in 3

undergraduates participate in research at the University of Iowa

bioblitz at ashton

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Locations Identified As Potential Living Laboratories

bioblitz microscope

1900 +

Acres of land to explore on campus

Did you know?

Spending time in greenspaces on campus improves cognitive function​, reduces stress, reduces risk of cardiovascular and respiratory mortality​, and reduces social isolation!

Find spaces close to you on campus!

Living Labs Support the University of Iowa Strategic Plan

Events

Leaders in Discovery: Understanding 'Forever Chemicals' in Soil and Groundwater with Linda Abriola promotional image

Leaders in Discovery: Understanding 'Forever Chemicals' in Soil and Groundwater with Linda Abriola

Monday, September 8, 2025 3:30pm to 5:30pm
Old Capitol Museum
Linda Abriola, a nationally recognized environmental engineer and member of the National Academy of Engineering, will deliver the second talk in the University of Iowa's "Leaders in Discovery" series.Abriola is the Joan Wernig and E. Paul Sorensen Professor of Engineering at Brown University and former dean of the Tufts University School of Engineering. Her research focuses on how contaminants move through soil and groundwater — and how we can better predict and manage their impact.In this...

Environmental Engineering and Science Graduate Seminar

Monday, September 8, 2025 3:30pm to 2:20pm
Old Capitol Museum
Linda Abriola, Joan Wernig and E. Paul Sorensen Professor of Engineering at Brown University will be presenting Understanding 'Forever Chemicals' in Soil and Groundwater
2025 Iowa Water Conference promotional image

2025 Iowa Water Conference

Tuesday, September 9 to Wednesday, September 10, 2025 (all day)
FFA Enrichment Center
Join us for the 19th annual Iowa Water Conference! The overarching conference theme is “Life Depends on Water. Water Depends on You.” As the Iowa Water Center celebrates its 60-year anniversary, we contemplate the progress made, as well as the goals that have been so far, out of reach. As water professionals and community members, we all play a part in protecting our waters. Creating a resilient water cycle is critical and relies on a systems approach, recognizing the connection between water...