A photo of a student working in a research lab

UMaine showcases research and creativity during Maine Impact Week

April 5, 2023 Advanced Materials for Infrastructure and Energy, Aging Research, Arts, Climate Change, Computing and Information Science, Economic Development, News, Research, Student Life, Sustainability Solutions and Technologies

Maine Impact Week, which celebrates the University of Maine faculty, students, community and their contributions to the social and economic advancement of the state and beyond, will be held from April 10–16.

Over 20 in person and virtual events will occur throughout the week, all of which highlight the impact of research and creative work produced by Maine’s public research university. Most events are free and open to the public.

The week culminates in the 2023 UMaine Student Symposium (UMSS), held from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. on Friday, April 14 at the Collins Center for the Arts. Students will present research and creative works through posters, oral presentations and exhibits. Projects cover a range of topics including the arts, humanities, health care, education, environment, science and engineering.

Other highlighted events during the week include:

  • The Portland Gateway Open House from 4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. on April 11 at 300 Fore St., Portland. This two-hour, open-house event celebrates the value and vibrancy of UMaine research. It will bring together a wide variety of exhibitors to showcase interactive and engaging entry points to Maine-based and Maine-relevant research topics, including marine research related to Portland harbor, sustainable food solutions, aquaculture, the Maine brand survey and many others. Exhibitions will include videos, demonstrations and conversations with researchers.
  • Center, institute and laboratory tours on April 14 at various times and locations. Participating facilities include the Advanced Structures and Composites Center, the Climate Change Institute, the Innovative Media Research and Commercialization Center, Hackerspace and VEMI Lab. 
  • The Older Adult Health and Wellness Fair from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11 at the Buchanan Alumni House. This event, hosted by the Center on Aging, will bring together a wide array of exhibitors and participants to provide wellness opportunities and health information to older adults and caregivers in our community. Health screenings, education opportunities and information about local volunteer groups are just some of the exciting presentations older adults can expect to find at the fair.
  • The virtual Maine Food Waste Solutions Summit 2023 from 10:00 a.m.–noon on April 14. The event brings together the state’s key food system participants, including farms, food businesses, feeding partners, community leadership and government and nonprofit organizations to focus on ending food waste in Maine. 

Maine Impact Week is sponsored annually by UMaine’s Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School. The university is home to over 150 research centers, institutes and laboratories.

“Our vision is to continue to succeed as a world-class R1 institution, recognized for our excellence in research and innovation. To achieve this vision, our faculty, staff, and students work together across disciplines and engage in interdisciplinary research that addresses complex societal challenges. Maine Impact Week is an excellent opportunity to celebrate this great work and engage with our outreach mission across the state and beyond. ” says Kody Varahramyan, the vice president for research and dean of the graduate school.

A full list of events and details such as registration links, can be found on the Maine Impact Week website. 

Contact: Tilan Copson 207.581.3038, tilan.copson@maine.edu