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

31 +

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

From the Driftless to the Delta: Rethinking Water Protections in the Mississippi River Watershed  promotional image

From the Driftless to the Delta: Rethinking Water Protections in the Mississippi River Watershed

Thursday, October 30, 2025 12:30pm to 2:00pm
Boyd Law Building
Join us for a timely panel discussion exploring how states, communities, and advocates are responding to the regulatory and environmental uncertainties left in the wake of the Sackett v. EPA decision. With a focus on wetlands and water protections across the Mississippi River watershed—from the bluffs of the Driftless Region to the bayous of the Delta—this conversation brings together regional experts to highlight innovative legal, policy, and collaborative approaches for safeguarding critical...
GOOD THINGS: An Evening with Samin Nosrat promotional image

GOOD THINGS: An Evening with Samin Nosrat

Thursday, November 13, 2025 7:30pm
Hancher Auditorium
Part of Hancher's 53rd seasonSamin Nosrat, champion of the home cook, connects food and community with her new book GOOD THINGS.Spend an uplifting evening with Samin Nosrat as she discusses her new book, Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love–the eagerly awaited follow-up to Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, scheduled to release in September 2025. Samin will share stories around the inspiration for the cookbook, her development and selection of the recipes, and the culinary rituals...
 Student Stories: Reflections on Summer Environmental Law Internships  promotional image

Student Stories: Reflections on Summer Environmental Law Internships

Thursday, November 20, 2025 12:45pm to 1:15pm
Boyd Law Building
Join the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative and the Iowa State Bar Association for a dynamic session spotlighting Iowa Law students who spent their summer immersed in environmental law and policy work across the state, region, country, and world! Through 3–5 minute lightning talks, these future environmental leaders will share insights from their internships—from litigation and advocacy to research and regulatory practice. This session highlights the real-world impact of HELI’s experiential...