ISU innovation and impact to see statehouse spotlight

It will be all cardinal and gold under the golden dome on Wednesday, Feb. 4, when Iowa State showcases its innovation and statewide impact at the annual ISU Day at the Capitol.

Interim President David Spalding will lead a group of about 40 faculty, staff and students representing 17 programs in exhibits filling the Iowa Capitol Rotunda from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Legislators, statehouse staff and other visitors will have a chance to learn more about how Iowa State helps businesses flourish, prepares students for in-demand careers and delivers science-driven solutions for Iowa. 

Here are the programs the university is highlighting this year:

Ames National Laboratory, the U.S. Department of Energy's flagship center for critical materials research and a pioneer in creating new methods to recover and efficiently process rare earth minerals.

Autonomous robotics, a computer science research group developing humanoid robots designed for dynamic environments, along with systems to validate and verify robot performance.

Career Services, a coordinated network of college-based offices that connects students and alumni with opportunities that prepare them for professional success.

Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach, which works with communities, businesses and government partners across Iowa to strengthen cybersecurity readiness, resilience and workforce development.

Center for Cyclone Civics, a source of nonpartisan opportunities for education and research on civic education and free speech.

Center for Industrial Research and Service, a partner for Iowa companies looking for advanced technologies, expertise and services needed to stay competitive. 

Critical AI in Education, an initiative to help K-12 educators across Iowa use artificial intelligence responsibly in their classrooms. 

Digital Ag Innovation Lab, a research group that collaborates with industry to develop technological solutions that make agriculture more efficient and profitable.

Iowa Nitrogen Initiative, a project that collects data from on-farm trials in private fields to build tools that provide customized nitrogen rate recommendations, improving the productivity, profitability and environmental performance of Iowa farms.

Iowa Small Business Development Center, a source of free, confidential and customized professional business advice to entrepreneurs and existing small businesses throughout Iowa.

ISU Creamery, one of the few university food science programs in the country that produces and sells dairy products.

ISU Research Park, a technology community and business incubator that leverages Iowa State's extensive innovation resources, such as research infrastructure, specialized equipment and a strong talent pipeline.

A Journey Through Parkinson's Disease, a series of ISU Extension and Outreach programs to provide reliable information and community to Iowans living with Parkinson's disease, filling an especially critical need in rural areas.

Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, offering hands-on training, support and experiences for Iowa's next generation of entrepreneurs, including programs such as Startup Factory (a tech-focused incubator) and CYstarters (a summer accelerator for student startups).

Precision livestock farming, an animal science research group studying automated monitoring technology in livestock barns to improve management, marketing and breeding practices. 

Soynomics, an interdisciplinary research team working to make agriculture more efficient and sustainable using high-tech tools such as sensors, drones, robotics, digital twins and AI agents.

Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, a renowned lab that handles the nation's largest food-animal caseload and provides world-class expertise on animal health and food safety issues.