This article originally appeared in the Resolutions print issue, in stands February 2026. It has not been updated and some information may be out of date.

As the University of Utah’s recognition of research grows with each passing year, so do the highlights of the students and faculty who conduct research. The U prides itself on the many disciplines of study that conduct research, ranging from medical science to environmental humanities. Faculty members and students alike are involved in research projects at the U, and this will be brought to light on March 31 at the Image of Research Celebration.

This upcoming spring, the J. Willard Marriott Library and the Office of the Vice President for Research will host a competitive event showcasing multiple research submissions conducted across different disciplines. This will be the first time the U is hosting this event. The celebration is inspired by the University of Illinois’ Image of Research event. The University of Illinois hosts it with the intent of sharing the impact of research experience for the contestants and attendees alike. The U has similar goals for its respective competition and exhibition. 

Jordan Hanzon, a marketing executive at the Marriott Library, explained the U’s main motivation for recognizing this research. “There is such a variety and richness of research happening across our campus. Image of Research is one way we’re celebrating the research and sharing it widely,” Hanzon said.

Additionally, Hanzon stated that a goal is to share how both organizers can help prospective students gain more support with this event. “Both the library and the Vice President for Research Office provide valuable resources for researchers’ continued and future research, and we hope they feel that,” he said.

Contest submissions

The participants will be specifically required to showcase their research with a single image. The idea is that it will connect the complex ideas within their field of study to art and represent the significance of their projects. Hanzon emphasized this condition. “They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so we’re putting it to the test. We hope that the submissions from the researchers can speak volumes to the work they are doing and can then be displayed like an art exhibit,” he said.

The significance of the art is just the surface of the event. Many subjects will be represented through images, even if the research is in a field that isn’t conventionally combined with art and photography. Participants are encouraged to submit their research from fields like the sciences and social studies.

Connection is also a priority of the event. The goal is to foster networking for people who participate in the competition and to have their research recognized beyond an academic level. However, the event’s format also fosters connection through art. The objective is to allow viewers to connect with the research in a way that is engaging and accessible, regardless of their academic background. By presenting research in a visual format, the exhibition aims to encourage curiosity and allow attendees to explore topics they may not be familiar with otherwise, including undergraduate students at the U.

Engaging with research

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with a wide range of information across different subjects, gaining insight into the scope of research happening across campus. By interacting with researchers and viewing their work firsthand, visitors will be able to understand how the participants’ research contributes to innovation, building skills and networking connections within and beyond the U.

The event doesn’t allow undergraduate submissions. However, community members and students are encouraged to be in attendance at the exhibition and vote for their People’s Choice Award. This makes Image of Research an opportunity for students to learn about recent research conducted at the U by graduate students and faculty alike. 

Cindy Greaves, the associate director for the Office of Undergraduate Research, emphasized the importance of learning more through research that is published by peers. “I think that whatever they’re learning in the classrooms, if they know that they can actually go do some hands-on experience by doing research, will make them more interested in it,” Greaves said. 

Opening the door for the community to view various projects gives students the chance to gain inspiration and conduct research on their own in the future, working with faculty and experts to obtain skills that will translate beyond the university and into their field.