ULRI Annual Research Symposium
Each year the event brings together leaders, researchers, and partners from various organizations and scientific field to accelerate discovery that will lead to innovative solutions to today’s complex challenges.
2026: Safety Science Education: Translating Research for Societal Impact
How do we solve the safety challenges of the future? It starts with education today — because education involves working with communities to turn awareness into action.
At UL Research Institutes, research and education are a continuous cycle. Research spanning the diverse topics in our safety science portfolio leads to learning for all. Deeper learning that is informed by science inspires greater inquiry and these activities, in turn, shape future research.
ULRI’s Fourth Annual Research Symposium, July 13-15, 2026, will highlight that important intersection of research and education, and how we work together to drive meaningful change. Education for students who will become future scientists and researchers, for firefighters using evidence-based strategies and tactics to protect themselves and those they serve, and for friends and family seeking to protect their loved ones from safety risks.
For questions or more information about the event, please contact ResearchSymposium@UL.org.
2025: Safety at the Human-Digital Interface
UL Research Institutes’ Third Annual Research Symposium took place from July 21 to July 23, 2025 in Washington D.C. The theme focused on Safety at the Human-Digital Interface.
The event explored AI/digital safety and its impact on education and our youth, individual and societal health, and its ability to foster resiliency for a sustainable future.
2024: Protecting Human Health and Safety in the Modern World
ULRI’s Second Annual Research Symposium took place from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, 2024 at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Hotel & Convention Center in Atlanta. The theme was Protecting Human Health and Safety in the Modern World. What does “modern” really mean? Anthropogenic chemicals — those stemming from human activities — are everywhere in today’s world. They’re in our homes, textiles we wear, vehicles we ride in, and even foods we eat. Wildfires and natural disasters also send chemicals into the environment, impacting the health of communities and firefighters. These issues were central to the symposium’s discussions, which also included honoring Dean Jones, Ph.D., with ULRI’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Public Health for advancing understanding of environmental exposures and human health.
2023: Building Resilience for a Sustainable Future
In our inaugural symposium — which took place at the Kellogg Global Hub at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. from July 31 through Aug. 2, 2023 — we shared scientific insights and research results relevant to Building Resilience for a Sustainable Future.