Distinguished University Innovator of the Year nominations sought
Innovation Partnerships, a division of the Office of the Vice President for Research, is seeking nominations for the 2024 Distinguished University Innovator of the Year Award. The award is the University of Michigan’s highest honor for faculty who have shown leadership in bringing new ideas to the marketplace. It honors faculty who have made important and lasting contributions to society by developing novel ideas and insights through their research and then translating them to practice. Nominees should be a current member of the tenure/tenure track, research or clinical faculty, or a team of up to five faculty members. Nominations of outstanding women, minorities and members of other groups historically underrepresented in their disciplines are encouraged. Nominations are due May 17, and the winner will be announced this fall at Innovation Partnerships’ annual Celebrate Invention event, sponsored by OVPR. Learn more about the award or submit a nomination.
Parents willing to discuss child gender identity with doctors, study shows
Most parents of young children are willing to discuss their child’s gender identity with their pediatrician, according to a new University of Michigan and University of Pennsylvania study. Published in the journal Transgender Health, the study investigated the acceptability of screening young children’s gender identity among parents. Researchers found that nearly 88% of parents are willing to talk about their child’s gender identity. “These findings illustrate how, across several demographic categories, parents were broadly willing to discuss their child’s gender identity, and that gender identity is often more complex than a binary,” said Matthew Diemer, professor of education in the Marsal Family School of Education, and professor of psychology in LSA. While most parents found the gender identity screening questions acceptable, about 7% expressed strong resistance to answering the questions, referencing religious and moral objections. They believe young children cannot understand and should not be encouraged to think about gender identity, and that such questions sexualize children. Read more about the study.
Targeting COVID variants through the twist in the spike protein
Teardrop-shaped particles designed to inactivate multiple strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus could one day complement existing treatments for COVID-19, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Michigan and Jiangnan University in Wuxi, China. The COVID mRNA vaccines have been highly effective at preventing severe cases of the disease, but COVID-19 can still hospitalize vaccinated individuals, especially the elderly. New strains also continue to emerge, requiring constant updates to vaccines to maintain their effectiveness. Treatments are essential to help people at risk of severe COVID-19, but there are only a few options on the market today. Pfizer’s Paxlovid antiviral pill has become the go-to treatment after it received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, with clinical trials showing hospitalization risk reduced by 89%. However, it may only reduce that risk by 50%, possibly as low as 26%, and the pill might not be appropriate for patients with cardiovascular disease. Read more about the study.
East Medical Center Drive bridge project to affect transit service
The city of Ann Arbor has announced the rehabilitation and expansion of the East Medical Center Drive Bridge will begin in late March or early April. The project will affect traffic flow and result in potential delays for the university’s bus system. Transit users are urged to allow extra time to accommodate travel plans. Starting March 25, the Cancer Center Outbound Stop will be temporarily relocated to a temporary location near the Nichols Drive crosswalk on East Medical Center Drive and will last for the duration of the project. More information is available at ltp.umich.edu/transit-alerts/ and at myumi.ch/M6r65.
U-M announces leadership change in men’s basketball program
Warde Manuel, the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics, announced March 15 that David and Meredith Kaplan head coach Juwan Howard will not return to the U-M men’s basketball program next season. “After a comprehensive review of the program, I have decided that Juwan will not return as our men’s basketball coach,” Manuel said. “Despite his love of his alma mater and the positive experience that our student-athletes had under his leadership, it was clear to me that the program was not living up to our expectations and not trending in the right direction. I am thankful for Juwan’s dedication, passion and commitment to U-M and for all that he, and his legacy, will continue to mean to Michigan.” During his five seasons in Ann Arbor, Howard compiled an 82-67 record, with NCAA Tournament selections in 2021 and 2022 as well as a postseason NIT appearance in 2023. He was named the Associated Press National Coach of the Year and the Big Ten’s Coach of the Year in 2021. Read more.
— Compiled by James Iseler, The University Record
