UI launches new campaign connecting community to research in Central Illinois [Video]

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — U of I wants to make research more accessible across Central Illinois. To do that, they are launching a new awareness campaign.

The goal is to connect scientists and professors to East Central Illinois. A lot of their work impacts people in ways you may not realize.

For example, some researchers work with older adults to help them maintain balance and prevent falls. Others work on the Mahomet Aquifer to protect drinking water, while some use AI to help farmers plan out the best time to plant their crops.

Cancer Center at Illinois researchers aim to help patients heal faster

“I hope that someday folks will be as excited about Illinois Research as they are about Illinois Basketball,” Melissa Edwards, the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, said. “Our researchers live here, they’re our neighbors. What matters to them, matters to the whole community and we feel it’s important …