Thought Leadership

1

Discovery Amplified expands research, teaching support across A&S

February 19, 2026

The College of Arts & Sciences is investing in a bold new vision for research, teaching and creative activity through Discovery Amplified. This initiative was launched through the Dean’s Office in August 2024, and is expanding its role as a central hub for scholarly activity and research support within the Arts & Sciences (A&S) community. Designed to serve faculty, students, and staff, the initiative aims to strengthen research productivity, foster collaboration, and enhance teaching innovation. Discovery Amplified was created to help scholars define and pursue academic goals while increasing the reach and impact of A&S research and training programs locally and globally. The unit provides tailored guidance, connects collaborators, and supports strategic partnerships that promote innovation across disciplines.

2

UC Digital Futures and Cincinnati Fire Museum launch educational video game

February 17, 2026

A new collaboration between the University of Cincinnati's Digital Performance Lab (DP Lab), CCM Acting, UC's School of Information Technology, and the Cincinnati Fire Museum is using gaming technology to bring essential fire safety education to children. The project titled Fire Escape is an interactive video game designed to teach K-12 students how to respond safely during a house fire. It was developed through Digital Futures research support, student game development, and guidance from local fire safety professionals.

4

Putting economic theory to the test

February 12, 2026

Economists and politicians have weighed the benefits of different theoretical models for years, but a lack of direct, empirical evidence showing the macroeconomic effects of fiscal policy has made it difficult to argue for or against government funding at the local level. That’s why University of Cincinnati economics professor David Brasington, PhD, published a new study called “Fiscal policy and economic activity: New Causal Evidence” in the Scandinavian Journal of Economics. By examining decades of levy renewal data across the state of Ohio, the study estimates the impact of property taxes on income beyond theoretical projections.