URBANA, Ill. — Technology has made health information more accessible than ever, but inaccurate and misleading online content poses serious public health risks. To address this challenge, educators, researchers, and community partners are working together to promote accurate, science-based information.
The University of Illinois, in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute and Illinois Extension, has developed the Springtime Science 2026 webinar series as part of the Community Seminar Series. Community members will be able to explore current health research, gain dependable information, and engage directly with U of I researchers.
“Reliable health information is essential, especially as misinformation spreads so quickly,” says Dee Walls, Extension outreach associate. “By bringing researchers and community members together, Springtime Science 2026 helps people get clear, trustworthy answers that support everyday health decisions.”
Event Details
Continuing education units, or CEUs, are available.
All sessions are presented from noon to 1 p.m., and topics include:
- Eating Disorders and Food Insecurity | Feb. 25
Uncover the hidden link between eating disorders and food insecurity.
- Virtual Reality for Cognitive and Social Engagement Among Older Adults | March 4
Explore how virtual reality is transforming cognitive and social engagement for older adults.
- Everyday Stability: How Home Environments Support Children and Caregivers Through Change | March 11
Discover how predictable, responsive home environments shape healthy child development.
- I'll Go with You: Supporting Youth Through Trauma and Into Trauma-Focused Treatments | April 1
Learn practical, compassionate strategies to help young people heal after difficult experiences.
Register for free at go.illinois.edu/CSS-Spring2026. For more information about the Community Seminar Series, visit go.illinois.edu/CSSeries.
If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, contact Dee Walls at walls1@illinois.edu or 217-300-6862. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.
SOURCE: Dee Walls, programmatic workforce and career development outreach associate, Illinois Extension.
WRITER: Herbert Chavez, media communications coordinator, Illinois Extension.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.