Columbia News

Recent News from Columbia

July 31, 2026

The Columbia News Quiz: July 2026

This July, Columbia welcomed its new president while faculty members earned important research funding and discussed a certain summer blockbuster. Test your knowledge of the latest news stories across the University!

Columbia Wins National Science Foundation Materials Research Science and Engineering Center for the Third Consecutive Time

Building on discoveries from its prior iteration, the center will shift its focus to developing advanced electronic materials for semiconductors, quantum devices, and more.

Widespread Lithium Found in Drinking Water Across Communities in Western U.S.

New research provides strong evidence that household drinking water is a major contributor to lithium levels in the body.

Videos

President Mnookin on Columbia University's Spirit of Discovery

On July 1, 2026, to mark her first day as president of Columbia University, Jennifer L. Mnookin visited the Rutherfurd Observatory and reflected on the spirit of discovery and public purpose that has been part of the institution’s story from the very beginning.

Columbia University's Revolutionary War History Told in a Diploma

As the nation celebrates its semiquincentennial, Professor Christopher Brown discusses the importance of inspiring a love of history in future scholars and leaders.

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The U.S. Semiquincentennial and Columbia University

History, Experts, and Stories

Research & Discovery

Upending Decades of Debate, Scientists Discover Most Neurons are Jacks-of-All-Trades

A new study of mouse neurons has the scientific community abuzz.

New Study Finds Clues of Alzheimer’s Beginnings

The findings raises the prospect of future Alzheimer’s drugs that could help stop the disease at its source.

Homo erectus crania from the Turkana Rift. Left: WT 15000, ‘Turkana Boy’ from West Turkana. Right: ER 3733 from East Turkana.

A New Perspective on Human Origins

New research on East Africa's Turkana Rift offers insight into how the region's world-famous human fossil record came to be.

More Research & Discovery News

Campus & Community

Columbia University President Jennifer L. Mnookin Hosts Community Partners Breakfast

In her first days, Mnookin met and shared remarks with local leaders at an energetic reception held on the Manhattanville campus.

5 Columbia University Podcasts You Need to Listen to This Summer

Whether on the road, the beach, or chilling next to the AC, let these podcasts made by Columbians be your summer audio accompaniment.

16 Photos From a Bustling and Fun-Filled Manhattanville Community Day 2026

The annual celebration, held on June 27, brought together community and Columbia-affiliated organizations, the arts and sciences, tasty treats, and tons of fun with friends new and old.

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National & Global Affairs

Pallavi Gogoi Named Executive Director of the Knight-Bagehot Fellowship

NPR’s chief business editor will lead Journalism School’s program for mid-career journalists devoted to the study of business and economics.

Illustration of 1990s-style Nike sneakers, cellphone, and baseball hat.

Sorry, the 90s Are Officially Vintage Now

True vintage products are moderately aged, iconic, and scarce, according to new research from Columbia Business School that defines vintage style.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Is a Market Test for U.S. Soccer

At Columbia Business School’s Global Football Forum, leaders from across the soccer community examined how the World Cup can translate the sport’s commercial growth into lasting impact.

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