UL Research Institutes' Xplorlabs is an educational platform designed for educators, by educators.
The no-cost platform encourages students to solve real-world problems through science. #XMarksTheScience - Visit xplorlabs.org to learn more. UL Research Institutes' Xplorlabs is an online educational platform designed for educators, by educators in ULRI's Institute for Research Experiences & Education. Xplorlabs hopes to encourage students to solve real-world problems through science. It is espec
06/02/2026
Looking to bring real-world safety science into your classroom?
The new features Educators' Corner, your go-to spot for STEM teaching resources, learning about the Xplorlabs Educator Fellowship, and discovering how you can form community partnerships with the fire service.
Experience the difference at Xplorlabs.org.
In the last year, 27 educators from across the country have been working alongside our expert education team to bring safety science into their classrooms in unique, innovative ways.
Throughout the fellowship, they crafted stories about their journeys — capturing the lessons learned, the sparks of curiosity and excitement they witnessed, and the impact and agency they watched grow in their students.
We're proud to share their incredible work and these impactful stories.
Please join us in sending major congratulations to our 2025-26 Xplorlabs Educator Fellows!
Read their stories:https://xplorlabs.org/news/explore-the-2025-26-xplorlabs-educator-fellows-story-collection/
Come explore where X Marks the Science!
by UL Research Institutes invites students to solve through science — gaining critical skills by tackling real-world safety science challenges.
And it's made for educators, by educators — and open to all.
Check it out for yourself at Xplorlabs.org.
05/26/2026
Engagement and empowerment can start at any age.
This Xplorlabs Educator Fellow led his elementary-age students in exploring lithium-ion battery safety. They turned their knowledge into action — creating posters and pamphlets, and leading conversations that reached beyond the classroom and into their communities.
Read Luis' story: https://xplorlabs.org/news/engaging-and-empowering-youth-through-safety-science-and-sustainability-learning/
05/21/2026
Safety is social.
New research from our institute shows that meeting logistical needs like housing or transportation can often determine whether students accept or withdraw from internships.
Recently published in Nature’s Humanities & Social Sciences Communications journal, this study led by our educational research team found that persistence in STEM is dependent on creating learning experiences for the whole person with interns and fellows concerned with many more aspects of an internship than the scientific content alone.
-Learn more about the study in our latest news story at UL.org/IREE.
-Read the full published paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-026-06958-x
05/19/2026
Kelly Keena, Ph.D., vice president & executive director of our Institute for Research Experiences & Education, has been inducted into UL Research Institutes' William Henry Merrill Society as a 2026 Corporate Fellow!
Founded in 2006, the William Henry Merrill Society represents the highest recognition for individuals who have made lasting contributions to advancing safety science.
This well-deserved honor recognizes Kelly's leadership in bringing safety science research into meaningful education and career pathway programs nationwide, including , expanding access to hands-on, real-world safety science learning for K-20 students.
Please join us in congratulating Kelly on this incredible achievement!
There are many careers involved in making our homes and businesses safer with fire sprinklers.
In addition to the fire service, the fire safety field includes specialists in sprinkler development, installation, inspection, and testing; fire research; project management; and more.
Curious about the different types of fire protection careers? Check out this video created in partnership with the National Fire Sprinkler Association - NFSA highlighting the various facets of this unique field.
You can find this video and many more resources on our Science of Fire Safety pathway at Xplorlabs.org.
The power of fire sprinklers in our homes and businesses can’t be overstated.
In the 150-plus years since fire sprinklers were first invented, they’ve saved countless lives and structures. But sadly, despite decades of proof that fire sprinklers save lives, many homes still don’t have or require them.
Even as recently as 2017, two fires in high-rise buildings showed what happens with and without sprinklers. In the building without sprinklers, the fire burned for two days and tragically claimed 72 lives. In the other building, sprinklers on the balconies kept the fire from entering homes, allowing residents to safely evacuate and was extinguished in just 2 hours.
This short documentary created in partnership with the National Fire Sprinkler Association shows the history of the fire sprinkler and why this lifesaving tool’s adoption is key.
Find more resources like this on our Science of Fire Safety pathway at Xplorlabs.org.
It often takes just one fire sprinkler to save a building and those inside.
When a fire starts and the thermal energy around a single sprinkler reaches ~155 degrees — the sprinkler activates.
Fire sprinklers are quick and efficient — giving you time to get out and firefighters the time they need to arrive and fully extinguish the flames.
Watch this video created with the Fire Safety Research Institute and the National Fire Sprinkler Association - NFSA to learn more.
05/13/2026
Did you know the first automatic fire sprinkler was invented in 1872?
For more than 150 years, fire sprinklers have been used to protect people from fire in their homes and workplaces. But as you might imagine, a lot has changed in that time.
Today, most modern home fire sprinklers can use your home’s water line and can even be plumbed in places without any water.
Learn more about today’s fire sprinkler systems: https://xplorlabs.org/resource/sprinkler-control-systems-simple-design-for-residential-systems/
And stay tuned for the release of our mini documentary looking at the history of fire sprinklers this Friday.
National Fire Sprinkler Association - NFSA | Fire Safety Research Institute