If you know, you know. Or do you?

Overhead view of four students seated at a round table with laptops and colorful carpeting.

People who lack expertise often lack the expertise to know just how much expertise they lack, says U-M psychologist David Dunning. Even AI suffers the effect. While ChatGPT is designed to provide an answer, it is unable to figure out whether it’s the right answer, he says.

  1. U-M applications, projected freshman enrollment at all-time high

    For the fourth consecutive year, the University of Michigan received a record number of applications from prospective freshmen, and applications and paid deposits are up for underrepresented minority students.

  2. Researchers predict larger-than-average Gulf 'dead zone'; impact of oil spill unclear

    As if the ongoing oil spill weren’t calamity enough, U-M’s Donald Scavia predicts that this year’s “dead zone” in the Gulf—an area starved of oxygen by pollution mostly from the Mississippi River—will be one of the biggest ever. “The growth of these dead zones is an ecological time bomb,” Scavia says, that was threatening Gulf fisheries even before the spill.

  3. 'Security guard' zinc is off-duty in diabetes

    New research at the University of Michigan suggests that in healthy cells, zinc acts like a security guard at a rock concert, whose job is keeping fans from turning troublesome and destructive. In molecular terms, zinc prevents a protein called amylin from forming harmful clumps similar to those found in degenerative diseases. But in the zinc-starved cellular environment of someone with type 2 diabetes, amylin has no watchful guard to rein it in.

  4. U-M accredited for another 10 years

    The University of Michigan has received official notice that it has earned continuing accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

  5. Lloyd Carr retires as associate athletic director

    Former University of Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr retired as associate athletic director for the Wolverines.

  6. Sheri Fink's deep reporting

    She won a Pulitzer Prize for uncovering tragic events at a New Orleans hospital following Hurricane Katrina, but that was just one small part of a remarkable career.

Creativity and connection across prison walls

One of the world’s largest and longest-running exhibitions of incarcerated artists is back with new programming designed to foster connection and deepen public understanding of incarceration in Michigan. The 29th annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons, curated by U-M’s Prison Creative Arts Project, showcases 772 artworks by 538 artists incarcerated in 26 state prisons. The Duderstadt Center Gallery on U-M’s North Campus is presenting the artwork through April 1.

  • Most Wanted by Samantha Bachynski

    The exhibition features diverse styles and media, including paintings, portraits, tattoo imagery, landscapes, sculpture, fiber arts and found materials. Each fall, volunteers, including students, select the pieces and visit every prison in Michigan to interact directly with the artists. (See original image)

    Colorful night sky shows through tree branches. 2025 PCAP exhibition.

  • Tangerine Dreams by Matisse Bravo

    For over 35 years, PCAP has worked to bridge the gap between incarcerated individuals and the broader community through artistic collaboration, mutual learning and growth. The program has expanded to include undergraduate courses, weekly art workshops in Michigan prisons, an annual literary review and year-round events to foster dialogue and connection. (See original image)

    A plate of tangerines and tangerine slices on a green table with yellow wall. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Peacefulness by Susan Brown

    According to Emily Chase, PCAP’s exhibition and curatorial coordinator, themes of community and mentorship emerged strongly in this year’s collection. (See original image)

    Colorful landscape with stripes and a mountains. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Paths #2 by Kendall Leonard

    The exhibition allows incarcerated artists to have their voices heard beyond prison walls. “Their voices are so often silenced, and this is one of the few areas where they can feel heard,” says Mattie Levy, PCAP community engagement coordinator. (See original image)

    Colorful abstract painting from the 2025 PCAP exhibition.

  • Mountain Honey by Terry Stinebeck

    “We witnessed experienced artists mentoring newcomers and saw how the artistic efforts of one individual can motivate and inspire others,” says PCAP’s Emily Chase. (See original image)

    A serene landscape with a yellow sky and mountains. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • House of Kards by Michael Browning

    Visitors to the Duderstadt exhibition can experience an audio tour that features select stories from some of the artists. (See original image)

    Abstract painting of a face card from a deck of cards. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Happiness Within by Groot

    This year, the exhibition introduced a new event, “Art and Music: A Collaborative Concert,” in which students performed original musical compositions inspired by select artworks. (See original image)

    Abstract image of youth with a surreal balloon. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Garden Escapades by Tim Brownell

    The concert that complemented the exhibition was a way to empower and unite with people impacted by the justice system through a shared love of creativity, says Ty Bloomfield, one of the event’s organizers. (See original image)

    A farm scene with crops growing in rows and red barn. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • DMX by David Hudson-Bey

    The 2025 exhibition was presented with support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the U-M Residential College. (See original image)

    Abstract of DMX painting with blues and greens. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Did I do that? by Daniel Teriberi

    For nearly three decades, the exhibition has provided a platform for incarcerated artists to share their work with the public, shedding light on personal narratives and the power of artistic expression. (See original image)

    Colorful abstract painting in 2025 PCAP exhibition.