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Initiatives

Underwriters Laboratories conducts original scientific research and releases information and reports for the benefit of public and private stakeholders.

Anti-Counterfeiting research

Anti-Counterfeiting Research

Learn about the research devoted to understanding and preventing the pervasive and constant threat counterfeiting poses to people, economies and environments.

Two women sitting at a laptop computer

Webinars Illustrate the Science of Underwriters Laboratories

These webinars provide professionals, educators and students with the tools necessary to take full advantage of Underwriters Laboratories world-class research.

People seated around a conference table in a futuristic office setting

Modernizing Our Approach to Standards Development

By optimizing our approach to standards development, we continue to drive safety through standardization and quickly adapt to the rapidly changing and advancing world around us.

person using microwave

Partnering to Help Reduce Microwave-Related Scald Injuries on Small Children

A proposed requirement to UL 923, the Standard for Microwave Cooking Appliances, would ultimately make the units more difficult for small children to open.

February 23, 2021

International IP Crime Investigators College (IIPCIC)

Learn about combating transnational IP crime and how this interactive online training platform operated between INTERPOL and Underwriters Laboratories helps.

Three secondary school students work on an engineering project.

January 27, 2021

UL Xplorlabs: Engaging the Next Generation of Real-World Problem Solvers Through Safety Science Education

The online platform engages students ages 9–14 with content-rich experiential elements including videos, interactive lessons, virtual tests, hands-on experiments and challenges.

Solar panels with control panel in the foreground

December 10, 2020

Addressing Potential Firefighting Hazards Around Photovoltaic Systems

ANSI/CAN/UL 3741: Standard for Safety for Photovoltaic Hazard Control intends to reduce the risk of electrical shock to first responders from damaged solar panel systems.

A male electrician inspects and electrical control panel.

December 03, 2020

Supporting Electrical Safety Through Improving the Legibility of Critical Information

Learn about guidance regarding the display of critical installation and safety information as well as how to help assure the legibility of this information over time.

Together For a Safe, Fair, Fake-Free World.

November 09, 2020

Be Safe Buy Real: A Global Consumer Anti-Counterfeiting Campaign

We are collaborating with more than 30 global partners to help consumers make informed buying decisions that will keep themselves and their families safe.

2015 IP Crime Conference in Argentina

October 07, 2020

International Law Enforcement Intellectual Property Crime Conference

Since 2014, IIPCIC has celebrated excellence, innovation and performance across the intellectual property and brand protection communities around the world.

Two living rooms side by side with the one on the left containing furniture of natural material and the one on the right containing furniture made of synthetic materials. The living room on the right is also on fire.

October 01, 2020

New Comparison of Natural and Synthetic Home Furnishings

A tangible example and foundation for discussion on the dangers of today’s fire environment not only for firefighters, but also for the public.

August 24, 2020

Exploring the Impacts of Machine Learning With Northwestern University

Where should research be focused to better understand the risks and hazards related to machine learning? Where might the greatest impacts to individual human health and societal safety occur?

energy storage system with a broken fence and debris on the ground

Study of Firefighter Line of Duty Injuries and Near Misses

Firefighter line of duty injuries and near miss incidents provide a unique opportunity to interact with and collect information from the scene and the personnel involved shortly after the incident.

Concrete structure with fire showing through a window

Study of the Fire Service Training Environment: Safety, Fidelity, and Exposure

Among other goals and objectives, this project aims to better understand the concepts of fuel and ventilation limited fires and research how they can be visually taught during hands-on fire training.

Firefighter standing in front of a structure holding a thermal imaging camera

Study of Fire Service Residential Home Size-Up and Search & Rescue Operations

Key measurements of this project will address critical needs by the fire service so that more lives can be saved through smarter and more efficient fireground operations.

Li-ion Battery Pack

Safe Disposal and Recycling of Batteries in Healthcare Settings

Underwriters Laboratories has been researching how to prevent battery-related fires and other safety hazards issues affecting high-energy batteries.