Latest News
UT Austin expands West Campus Ambassadors program after successful first year
By Austin Journal | Aug 14, 2024
The University of Texas at Austin has extended its West Campus Ambassadors program to a second year and expanded its specialized safety, cleaning, and hospitality services to cover a larger area. This announcement follows a successful first year for the team dedicated to revitalizing Austin’s West Campus neighborhood, which is home to more than 20,000 UT students each academic year and frequented by thousands of university employees and visitors.
Resources available to prepare families for upcoming school year
By Austin Journal | Aug 13, 2024
As the new school year approaches, it is essential for families to ensure they are well-prepared. Below are several resources designed to help make the transition smooth and stress-free.
Austin ISD offers free meals to all students at 77 schools under federal program
By Austin Journal | Aug 13, 2024
For the 2024-25 school year, Austin ISD will provide free breakfast and lunch for all students at 77 schools through the federally funded Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program.
Community provides feedback on potential tax rate election for November ballot
By Austin Journal | Aug 8, 2024
Austin ISD families, staff, and community members provided feedback this week on a Voter Approval Tax Rate Election ahead of a possible vote to put the issue on the November 2024 ballot.
New drug shows promise for less invasive treatment approach to rare fetal blood disease
By Austin Journal | Aug 7, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas — Data from a new investigational drug that could alter the standard treatment for a rare blood disease suggests it has the potential to delay or prevent anemia and the need for intrauterine blood transfusions in babies who are at high risk for the condition, known as Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN). Results of the Phase 2 clinical trial of the drug nipocalimab were published today in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Austin ISD CFO Eduardo Ramos placed on leave before scheduled departure
By Austin Journal | Aug 2, 2024
Mr. Eduardo Ramos submitted his resignation from Austin ISD on Tuesday, July 23. His last day with the district was scheduled for Friday, August 16; however, Superintendent Matías Segura placed Mr. Ramos on leave on July 31, 2024.
Astronomers use AI to discover polluted white dwarf stars consuming planets
By Austin Journal | Jul 31, 2024
Astronomers have recently identified hundreds of "polluted" white dwarf stars in the Milky Way, which are actively consuming planets in their orbit. These stars provide valuable insights into the interiors of these distant planets but are notoriously difficult to find.
UT Austin researchers use AI tool for safer antibiotics
By Austin Journal | Jul 31, 2024
Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have leveraged artificial intelligence to develop a new antibiotic showing promise in animal trials. Published today in Nature Biomedical Engineering, the study details how scientists used a large language model (LLM) to engineer a previously toxic bacteria-killing drug to be safe for human use.
District outlines budget process; invites community feedback
By Austin Journal | Jul 25, 2024
The Board of Trustees convened on July 23 to discuss long-term budget planning and the potential for a Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election (VATRE) aimed at investing in teachers and staff.
Austin ISD trustees discuss potential tax election amid budget challenges
By Austin Journal | Jul 23, 2024
The Board of Trustees will meet for a special information session on July 23 to discuss the possible Voter-approval Tax Ratification Election and long-range budget planning.
Austin ISD receives 7,300 bus passes from CapMetro
By Austin Journal | Jul 23, 2024
CapMetro is aiding Austin ISD families by donating 7,300 single-day bus passes. This initiative aims to alleviate transportation challenges for parents accompanying their children to school or engaging in campus activities.
Austin ISD's summer theater series sees record-breaking attendance
By Austin Journal | Jul 23, 2024
For the first time in the history of the Austin ISD Summer Theatre Series, a musical sold out completely, filling the Performing Arts Center to capacity.
Kate's journey from Austin to Paris for Olympic rowing
By Austin Journal | Jul 22, 2024
As Kate Knifton prepares to represent Team USA at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, she carries not only her own dreams but also the hopes of her family and the Austin ISD community.
UT's Texas Institute for Electronics awarded $840M for DOD microelectronics center
By Austin Journal | Jul 18, 2024
The Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) has selected the Texas Institute for Electronics (TIE) at The University of Texas at Austin to develop the next generation of high-performing semiconductor microsystems for the Department of Defense. Under this agreement, TIE will establish a national open access R&D and prototyping fabrication facility aimed at creating higher performance, lower power, lightweight, and compact defense systems applicable to radar, satellite imaging, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other systems.
Researchers identify nickel iodide as promising candidate for advanced computer memory
By Austin Journal | Jul 17, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas — For decades, scientists have been studying a group of unusual materials called multiferroics that could be useful for a range of applications including computer memory, chemical sensors, and quantum computers. In a study published in Nature, researchers from The University of Texas at Austin and the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD) demonstrated that the layered multiferroic material nickel iodide (NiI2) may be the best candidate yet for devices that are extremely fast and compact.
Harry Ransom Center hosts Ansel Adams retrospective
By Austin Journal | Jul 16, 2024
A new exhibition at the Harry Ransom Center is spotlighting the environmental and artistic legacy of renowned photographer Ansel Adams. The exhibition, which opened on July 16, 2024, aims to present a comprehensive view of Adams' contributions to both photography and environmental conservation.
Texas Advanced Computing Center named nation's Leadership-Class Computing Facility by NSF
By Austin Journal | Jul 11, 2024
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has selected the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at The University of Texas at Austin as the nation’s Leadership-Class Computing Facility (LCCF). This designation, along with an initial investment of $457 million for construction, aims to revolutionize America's computational research over the next decade. The NSF's investment builds on TACC’s 20 years of providing advanced computing resources to the open science community and ensures continuity and sustainability in various scientific fields.
LBJ School launches first undergraduate degree focused on public affairs
By Austin Journal | Jul 11, 2024
The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin is launching its first undergraduate degree, the Bachelor of Public Affairs. Building on the school’s graduate education program, the new program will serve as the school’s premier offering for undergraduate students, focused on skills in leadership, policy analysis, data analytics, communication, and organizational management for a career in public service.
New method accelerates ocean-based carbon storage without harmful chemicals
By Austin Journal | Jul 8, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas — Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed a new method for storing carbon captured from the atmosphere that works significantly faster than current techniques and does not require harmful chemical accelerants.
Austin ISD implements strategies for improving student achievement amid declining math scores
By Austin Journal | Jun 24, 2024
Results of the 2024 STAAR are now available and show Austin ISD, along with other Texas school districts, still struggling to get scores back on track post-pandemic.