UL Standards & Engagement

This summer, a remarkable group of students brought fresh perspectives, new ideas and a passion for making a difference to UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement. Across teams and disciplines, our interns contributed to projects that support safer products, safer systems and safer communities.  As they return to their campuses and continue pursuing their goals, we thank them for their contributions and look forward to following their future accomplishments.  We're excited to see how they'll help shape the world ahead. 

A new school year brings new routines, new spaces, and new responsibilities. These back-to-school preparations often focus on what students need to bring. It is just as important to think about how those products can contribute to a safer living environment. From power strips and smoke alarms to rechargeable devices and online shopping, everyday choices can help support safety in dorms and off-campus housing. Swipe through for more key move-in considerations on what every student should know to be move-in ready.

It is no secret that we live in a rechargeable society. The challenge now is ensuring that safety practices evolve as quickly as the technologies we rely on. From smartphones and laptops to wireless headphones and portable chargers, rechargeable devices have become an essential part of modern travel. The average traveler now brings four lithium-ion battery-powered devices onboard a single flight. New findings from UL Standards & Engagement's Thermal Runaway Incident Program (TRIP) show thermal runaway incidents on passenger aircraft remain a persistent safety challenge. Portable chargers are now the leading device involved in reported incidents, while awareness of lithium-ion battery risks remains low. As airlines continue updating policies and procedures, improving aviation safety will require more than these updated restrictions alone. Passenger education, crew preparedness, safety standards, and collaboration across industry all have a role to play in helping reduce risk in an increasingly rechargeable world.

Smoke alarms play a critical role in helping keep homes safer, but regular maintenance is easy to overlook. In this At Home with the ULSE Team feature, we're sharing three simple reminders to help ensure your smoke alarms are ready when you need them most. Check out these quick tips to make things #SaferForYou ⬇️

Great conversation last week at the Council of Manufacturing Associations' Summer Leadership Conference, where I joined Todd Denison and Shonzia Thompson, CAE on stage to discuss the role of safety standards in advancing the future of technology and manufacturing. From autonomous systems and critical infrastructure to next-generation manufacturing, standards remain the foundation that lets technology scale safely and responsibly. Grateful for the chance to share UL Standards & Engagement’s perspective and for our continued partnership with the National Association of Manufacturers - NAM.

Congratulations to UL Standards & Engagement colleagues Valara Davis and Grace Roh on their recognition at the 2026 ANSI - American National Standards Institute Leadership and Service Awards. Valara received an ANSI Meritorious Service Award for her significant contributions to the U.S. voluntary standardization system, while Grace was honored with the President's Award for Communications for helping illuminate the vital role standards and conformity assessment play in advancing safety and strengthening competitiveness. We are proud to see their mission-driven contributions recognized by ANSI and to celebrate their impact across the standards community.

Yesterday at the ANSI Innovation Summit in Denver, UL Standards & Engagement President and CEO Jeff Marootian joined leaders from across the standards community for a CEO roundtable on how standards development can keep pace with rapid technological change. Moderated by ANSI - American National Standards Institute President and CEO Dr. Laurie Locascio, the discussion explored the future of standards in an era shaped by AI, advanced manufacturing, quantum technologies and other emerging innovations. As the U.S. Standards Strategy 2025 recognizes, standards development processes must evolve alongside the technologies they address. Jeff highlighted the importance of anticipating emerging risks, building trust early and ensuring standards remain flexible and responsive as innovation accelerates. Consensus, collaboration and forward-looking engagement will be critical to helping new technologies scale safely and responsibly. Thank you to ANSI for convening this important conversation and to the fellow standards leaders who shared their perspectives on strengthening the U.S. standards system for the future.

One in four Americans are not confident that they can tell the difference between a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. According to ULSE survey data, 25% of respondents said they were unsure how to distinguish between the two devices, although they protect against very different hazards. This is exactly why understanding your alarms matters. In our latest article, we break down the differences between smoke alarms and CO alarms, explain why both are essential, and share practical tips to help homeowners stay protected. Before reading, see if you can pass our quiz below. ⬇️

Innovation is moving faster than ever. Trust isn't. As emerging technologies reshape how we live, work, and connect, one challenge is becoming increasingly clear: innovation succeeds when people trust it. In his latest perspective, UL Standards & Engagement President and CEO Jeff Marootian explores why public confidence is becoming one of the most important factors in technology adoption, and why safety standards remain a critical foundation for progress. Trust is built through foresight, collaboration, and a commitment to understanding risks before they become barriers. Innovation can happen overnight. Building trust takes time. Ensuring they advance together is how we unlock technology's full potential. Read Jeff's article here: view.ulse.org/urN7Y

Your phone, portable charger, or vape may seem harmless, but these everyday devices are driving a growing safety challenge in aviation. The Wall Street Journal recently examined the rise in lithium-ion battery incidents on aircraft and why airlines, regulators, and safety experts are paying closer attention. The article featured data from UL Standards & Engagement's Thermal Runaway Incident Program, helping illustrate the growing role that power banks, cell phones, and e-cigarettes play in thermal runaway incidents. As travelers carry more battery-powered devices than ever before, awareness, education, and safe battery practices remain critical throughout the travel journey.