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Purdue Today
April 2, 2026
| TOP NEWS
Photo gallery: Teaching Excellence Awards 2026
Each spring, Purdue honors faculty whose dedication, innovation and passion elevate the undergraduate experience. Through the Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award, the Exceptional Early Career Teaching Award and the Excellence in Instruction Award for Lecturers, the university recognizes those who set the standard for teaching excellence. From March 23-30, the 2026 honorees were surprised with the news and celebrated alongside the students, colleagues and loved ones who share in their impact.
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| SCHOLARLY EXCELLENCE
Research posing in front of computer monitor
Back-to-back Nature papers reveal RNA-guided CRISPR system that activates gene expression
Researchers led by Leifu Chang in the Department of Biological Sciences have identified a naturally evolved CRISPR system that activates gene expression without cutting DNA. Reported in two companion Nature studies, the work reveals how this RNA-guided system recruits the cell’s transcription machinery and highlights new possibilities for gene regulation technologies.
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In Print graphic
In Print: ‘Hegel and Republicanism: Non-Domination, Economics, and Political Participation’
“Hegel and Republicanism: Non-Domination, Economics, and Political Participation” examines how the political philosophy of G.W.F. Hegel (1770-1831) relates to the long tradition of republican political thought. Written by Christopher Yeomans, the Justin S. Morrill Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and professor of philosophy, the book explores Hegel and the republicans’ common concerns with freedom as non-domination, the republic as a fragile achievement, and the effects of commerce and ambition on social and political relations.
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  • Researchers in various studies looking for participants
  • Reminder: Visit Federal Funding Updates website for latest information
| AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Small group of people in crop field
Purdue Agriculture ranks No. 3 in U.S. in 2026 QS World University subject rankings
Purdue University’s College of Agriculture maintained its stellar No. 3 ranking nationally and sixth globally in the just-released 2026 QS World University rankings of the top academic programs. The College of Agriculture was highlighted among the world’s top universities for its program and scholarship strengths in employability and research and discovery. 
 
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| EVENTS
Group at Easter Egg hunt
First Family hosts fourth annual Easter egg hunt at Westwood
Boilermaker families gathered under sunny skies as Purdue President Mung Chiang and First Lady Kei Hui proudly hosted the fourth annual Easter egg hunt Sunday (March 29) at Westwood. The spring tradition featured two egg hunt sessions for faculty, staff and graduate student families with children ages 12 and under. More than 240 Boilermaker children enjoyed Easter-themed treats and took part in the egg hunts and festive photo opportunities.
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  • Libraries and School of Information Studies hosts Digital Humanities Day on Tuesday
  • Purdue University Events Calendar
| THINGS TO KNOW
Campus scene in spring
Purdue’s Community Impact Summit celebrates Office of Engagement’s 25-year legacy
The Office of Engagement's Community Impact Summit brought together more than 250 faculty, innovators, nonprofit leaders and philanthropic partners in an effort to connect Purdue’s expertise with the needs of communities locally, nationally and globally.
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Campus parking survey open through Friday
Auxiliary Services is inviting faculty, staff and students to participate in a survey for campus parking services in West Lafayette. The survey will remain open through 11:59 p.m. Friday (April 3).
FACULTY AND STAFF
  • Fidelity to offer ‘America Saves Week’ workshops for Purdue faculty, staff 
  • This week’s ‘Thumbs Up’ recipients
GENERAL
  • Purdue selects Simple Syllabus for systemwide implementation
SPORTS
  • Smith named Wooden Award All-American and Top-5 finalist
PURDUE IN THE NEWS
  • The Guardian: Invisible plumes and ‘terrible pollution’: The reality of the U.S. gas sites rated ‘grade A’
  • CNBC: I asked ChatGPT for tax help – experts say I fell into a classic trap
  • NPR: Artemis II mission will take astronauts around the moon
  • Fox 59: ‘Purdue 1’ mission to make history by sending all-Boilermaker crew to space in 2027
Purdue Today is the official Purdue University communication for faculty and staff
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