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Renaming of an Educational Office

In a recent announcement, UL Research Institutes has rebranded its Office of Research Experiences & Education to the Institute for Research Experiences & Education. This change reflects the institution's sustained dedication to safety science education, highlighting its pivotal position in shaping prospective safety professionals.

James J. Hudgens, President and CEO of ULRI, emphasized, "Education has always been a priority for UL Research Institutes. We must prepare for future safety challenges—not just those we face today. Offering robust educational programs and research opportunities is crucial to nurturing the next generation of safety scientists."

Legacy of Education

Though new in name, the institute has long been at the forefront of education and research. Since 2013, its experts have spearheaded initiatives to enhance informal STEM learning, fundamentally influencing educational programs within the organization. Today, the Institute for Research Experiences & Education continues this legacy, linking educational practices with scientific inquiry to positively impact the field of safety sciences.

The institute utilizes an academically rigorous framework built upon educational research to enhance program design, ensuring an enriching experience for students and educators alike. This approach engages youth in impactful learning that fosters awareness, develops knowledge and critical thinking skills, crucial for their evolution into safety sciences.

Innovating STEM Education

In 2015, prior to the formation of the office, ULRI began developing Xplorlabs, an innovative educational platform aimed at reigniting interest in STEM fields among adolescents. Fully aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, Xplorlabs provides engaging resources that integrate the latest safety research—topics such as fire safety systems and fire forensics—into classroom settings through interactive online materials and hands-on learning challenges. Recently, Xplorlabs garnered recognition by winning two national awards, showcasing the significant impact of these educational resources.

The latest initiative from the institute is the Standards Academy, created collaboratively with UL Standards Engagement. This open-access platform seeks to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and professional standards in safety education. Research highlighted a surprising finding: while many employers expect new engineers to understand safety standards, exposure to such education during college remains alarmingly low. The Standards Academy endeavors to provide case studies and real-world applications of safety standards, promoting active learning and collaborative problem solving among students.

Kelly Keena, Ph.D., the institute's executive director, noted, "Building a safer, more sustainable world is an ambitious goal, but as educators, we know it's also achievable. Our research suggests that students are motivated to pursue STEM careers rooted in a desire to contribute positively to their communities. While challenges in safety are daunting, by reforming educational systems, we can train students to address these pressing issues."

UL Research Institutes: A Commitment to Safety

Founded in 1894, UL Research Institutes is a nonprofit organization devoted to advancing public safety through comprehensive scientific research. The organization tackles global risks related to fire safety, air quality, energy storage, and digital privacy among others. With a focus on rigorous independent research and partnerships with experts, ULRI is dedicated to identifying and addressing risks that jeopardize human safety.

From its past initiatives to current programs aimed at enhancing educational practices in safety sciences, UL Research Institutes demonstrates an unwavering commitment to fostering informed and responsible future leaders in safety science. This rebranding marks just another step in ULRI's ongoing mission to ensure safety and security for all.