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For the 10th time running, the University of Florida is listed among the nation’s 10 best public universities, according to the 2027 U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” rankings released today. The decade-long streak underscores UF’s sustained national standing for academic excellence, student success and research impact. In the most recent U.S. News rankings, UF placed No. 8 among public universities and 34th overall.

Portable device delivers rapid testing for mosquito-borne viruses(opens in a new tab)
With a lot of ingenuity, some creative engineering and a few off-the-shelf items, a University of Florida team led by a virologist and an engineer have created an inexpensive, quick and accurate handheld device that can detect seven mosquito-borne illnesses. Their design could help clinicians in low-resource or remote settings — from clinics in rural Haiti to farm animal veterinarians — diagnose patients without the need for a power supply, bulky equipment or extensive training.

Leap and learn: AI‑PLAY to turn movement into AI lessons(opens in a new tab)
What if elementary school students could learn the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and large language models just by moving their bodies? As artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping how people learn, work, communicate and make decisions, University of Florida researchers are asking how best to help young learners develop a foundational understanding of how AI works and how it affects society.

UF establishes the Ballard House, a new Gator home steps from the U.S. Capitol(opens in a new tab)
The University of Florida will establish a permanent home in Washington, D.C.. The Ballard House is a gift from Brian and Kathryn Ballard valued at $4.25 million. It will serve as UF’s front door in the nation’s capital: a place where students can learn and grow through academic programs and professional development, where faculty can share their research with Congress and federal agencies, and where the university can convene leaders from government, public service and the private sector.

The University of Florida has been selected by the U.S. Department of State to lead the new Feed the Future Innovation Lab for High-Value Crops — SAFE (Safeguarding Agriculture, Food and Economy). The SAFE Lab will protect the fruits, vegetables and spices that feed American families and sustain smallholder farmers worldwide. The UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences-led SAFE lab will help detect and contain crop pests and diseases overseas before they threaten Florida and American farms, while advancing postharvest practices that reduce food losses, improve food safety and expand access to nutritious food.