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.
See More Living Labs
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."

See more feedback

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!

Find spaces close to you on campus!

Living Labs Support the University of Iowa Strategic Plan

Events

Miyawaki Forest Tree Planting 2.0 promotional image

Miyawaki Forest Tree Planting 2.0

Friday, April 24, 2026 1:00pm to 4:00pm
College of Public Health Building

Join us for the Miyawaki Forest Tree Planting 2.0 as we kick off our project on Arbor Day, Friday, April 24 This exciting initiative aims to plant 2,000 native tree saplings and shrubs using the Miyawaki Method, a technique for densely planting native trees to create bio-diverse and self-sustaining forests.

Getting There:

Planting will take place on the southeast corner of the College of Public Health.

Parking is limited, so we recommend using public transportation or carpooling.

Newton Road Parking...

Environmental Engineering and Science Graduate Seminar

Friday, April 24, 2026 1:30pm to 2:20pm
Seamans Center

Todd DeJournett, Project Director at SCS Engineers-Water and Wastewater Process Design, will be presenting, Designing for Uncertainty-Deterministic Solutions to Stochastic Problems.

Miyawaki Forest Tree Planting 2.0 promotional image

Miyawaki Forest Tree Planting 2.0

Saturday, April 25, 2026 10:00am to 2:00pm
College of Public Health Building

Join us for the Miyawaki Forest Tree Planting 2.0 as we kick off our project on Arbor Day, Friday, April 24 This exciting initiative aims to plant 2,000 native tree saplings and shrubs using the Miyawaki Method, a technique for densely planting native trees to create bio-diverse and self-sustaining forests.

Getting There:

Planting will take place on the southeast corner of the College of Public Health.

Parking is limited, so we recommend using public transportation or carpooling.

Newton Road Parking...