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.

What do Hawkeyes Say About Living Labs?

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

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!

Living Labs Support the University of Iowa Strategic Plan

Events

2025 Iowa League of Cities Annual Conference and Exhibit promotional image

2025 Iowa League of Cities Annual Conference and Exhibit

Friday, September 19, 2025 (all day)
Community Choice Convention Center
Join us at the Iowa League of Cities Annual Conference for three days of learning, connection, and conversation with city leaders from across the state. Be sure to stop by the IIHR booth to learn more about our work and say hello! Don't miss a compelling talk featuring IIHR Director and Iowa Flood Center Co-founder Larry Weber and Kevin Robinson from the city of Spencer as they share insights from one of Iowa’s most significant recent flood events, detailed below.Title2024 Flood in Northwest...
Read Aloud at the Lagoon Shelter House:  Tending Iowa's Land promotional image

Read Aloud at the Lagoon Shelter House: Tending Iowa's Land

Tuesday, September 23, 2025 10:00am to 2:00pm
Lagoon Shelter House
Iowa has stories to tell: hard lessons learned from soil loss, compromised water quality, and fragmented natural systems, but also proven solutions built on knowing and doing better that are ready to scale up.In Tending Iowa's Land, local researcher and writer Cornelia Mutel offers a collection of essays and personal stories from experts and everyday people that prove the challenges and explore the pathways to a regenerative future for our natural environment.Help give voice to these stories on...