UNC experts share 2026 Trend Predictions

UNC-Chapel Hill experts are available to help reporters interpret the forces most likely to shape 2026, sharing the trends they predict will matter most across AI and media, public health, climate resilience, the economy and workforce, housing and civic life, and law and policy. Below is a curated list of Carolina voices, each with a trend to watch and why it matters.

If you would like to speak with any of these experts, please contact our University Communications team at [email protected] and include your deadline, outlet and the topic you are covering.

2026 Trends Index

Technology, AI and Media

Public Health and Demographics

Climate, Environment and Resiliency

Economy, Jobs and Education

Housing, Communities and Civic Life

Law, Policy and Elections

Technology, AI and Media

Paul Wolff, Kenan-Flagler, director of the Faculty Consulting Group

Trend: AI

What they can speak to: Practical classroom and productivity use cases of AI at Kenan-Flagler Business School as well as the safeguards and standards needed for ethical, secure and responsible AI use as it becomes a core expectation for students and faculty.

In their own words: "By 2026, generative AI will shift from optional experimentation to a core expectation in business education. The schools that stand out will be the ones pairing broad access with strong safeguards and clear standards for responsible use. With BlueChipAI, we can discuss how UNC Kenan-Flagler is integrating AI into teaching, improving efficiency for staff and faculty, and setting clear norms for ethical, secure use of AI in coursework, research and day-to-day academic work. These efforts are transforming how UNC Kenan-Flagler is preparing students for the workplace of the future. UNC Kenan-Flagler is modeling how academia and industry can work together to shape informed, forward-thinking decisions about generative AI use."

Arvind Malhotra The H. Allen Andrew Distinguished Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship

What they can speak to: Why many organizations struggle to move from AI pilots to execution; where productivity gains are real versus overstated; and how AI is reshaping work and markets

Trend: AI, productivity and the future of work

In their own words: "As someone who studies open innovation, crowds and the future of work, I can help reporters unpack where AI is genuinely improving productivity, where organizations are still struggling to translate experimentation into impact, and what a more execution-focused next phase of AI could mean for firms, workers and markets."

Scott Geier, assistant professor, UNC Hussman School of Journalism

Trend: AI

What they can speak to: AI trends

In their own words: "It's somewhat foolish to make predictions about artificial intelligence (AI), a technology that is as opaque as it is transformative. But if I had to bet, I'd say that 2026 will be the year the bubble bursts. I hope I'm wrong, but I fear I'm not."

Tori Ekstrand, professor, UNC Hussman School of Journalism

Trend: AI

What they can speak to: AI law and regulations

In their own words: "The clock on artificial intelligence (AI) regulation is significantly and unconstitutionally slowing. Efforts in the European Union are facing friction in the rollout of the AI Act and there is also significant resistance from the White House, where President Trump has announced by executive order his intent to stop U.S. states from enacting and enforcing their own regulation.

It's also far from clear that regulating AI harms will address the growing power and influence of AI companies over the state and citizens. Whether we're looking at automating more labor, collecting and analyzing more biometric data, or training AI systems on others' intellectual property, regulation is just one answer to the growing imbalances in power that AI generates and the growing chasm between the U.S. and its allies in terms of policy and regulation. 2026 will likely be a turning point in the discussion about the role law can and will play; there is no question that many of us are deeply concerned whether regulation alone can and will preserve democratic norms."

Francesca Tripodi associate professor, School of Information and Library Science

Trend: How AI overviews are influencing the way we search about politics

What they can speak to: Social media, political partisanship and democratic participation, particularly how Google and Wikipedia are manipulated for political gains. Patterns of gender inequality on Wikipedia.

In their own words: "As people's search patterns change, a key fact remains the same - our starting points, like our keywords or our prompts, drive the information that is returned to us. Since our language is heavily influenced by our ideological dialects, how we see the world shapes what is ultimately returned to us, reinforcing, rather than broadening, what we already think we know politically."

Patrick Kastian, assistant director, Data Intelligence Hub, Innovate Carolina

Trend: AI as infrastructure and community catalyst

What they can speak to: How AI is becoming foundational infrastructure across research, entrepreneurship, and workforce development; how universities can responsibly test and scale AI systems; and how regional AI communities help translate innovation into economic and social impact.

In their own words: "In 2026, AI will be less of a "tool" and more of the underlying infrastructure for testing, refining and scaling ideas. Universities that lead will use AI to accelerate research translation, support founders and teach students to use these systems responsibly, with clear guardrails around ethics, bias and data protection. At UNC-Chapel Hill, Innovate Carolina is coordinating a nearly 1,000-member AI Community where students, researchers, staff, entrepreneurs and employers learn and build together, creating a collaborative model that is becoming a blueprint for how regions grow their AI talent."

Public Health and Demographics

Nabarun Dasgupta, senior scientist at UNC Injury Prevention Research Center, innovation fellow at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health and winner of the MacArthur Fellowship

Trend: Opioid overdoses

What they can speak to: How changes in the illicit drug supply are influencing overdose trends; why rates have declined in some areas; and what data-driven harm reduction strategies are most effective moving forward.

In their own words: "Opioid overdoses will continue to be something we grapple with in 2026, including why rates have been declining. The drug supply is poised to make marked shifts in 2026, and our lab has tested 20,000 drug samples to understand the complexity. Collectively, we'll need to continue to provide resources that address people's full health needs, including harm reduction options, treatment, food, shelter and more."

Delesha Carpenter, professor; executive vice chair, Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy; adjunct assistant professor, health behavior

Trend: Opioid overdoses and naloxone access

What they can speak to: Barriers to naloxone access across communities; the role of technology and public awareness campaigns in saving lives; and policy and community-based strategies that improve overdose prevention outcomes.

In their own words: "Access to naloxone has helped so many communities reduce their opioid overdose death rates. However, access to this life-saving drug is still suboptimal in many communities, including rural communities. There are opportunities to integrate technology, advocacy and public awareness campaigns with tools like naloxonenearme.org and naloxonesaves-nc.org to ensure people living in all North Carolina communities have access to naloxone and are aware of the resources available to them."

Karen Guzzo, professor of sociology; director, Carolina Population Center

Trend: Population trends and the aging economy

What they can speak to: "How population change is affecting work, family formation, caregiving and economic stability; what these trends mean for younger and older generations; and why 2026 represents an inflection point.

In their own words: The demographic reshuffling is underway - we see record-low birth rates, an aging population, and potential changes to immigration patterns following political influence. This change in demographics will have lots of implications for 2026 and beyond especially in terms of labor markets, financial and caregiving support for older adults, rural population shifts, and young adults' futures."

Brian Boyd, director, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute and William C. Friday Distinguished Professor at School of Education

Trend: Autism

What they can speak to:

How misinformation shapes public understanding of autism; the impact on autistic individuals and families; and how increased visibility is changing education, employment and public discourse.

In their own words: "We are living at the intersection of unprecedented Autism visibility but also unprecedented misinformation. For decades, autism has been unfairly pulled into vaccine debates and politicized activism, despite overwhelming scientific consensus-leaving lasting impacts on public trust, stigma and the lived experiences of autistic people and their families. Today, social media accelerates both awareness and distortion, amplifying fear-based narratives alongside genuine advocacy. At the same time, autistic people are increasingly shaping public life as students, workers, creators and leaders."

Mitch Prinstein, professor of psychology and neuroscience

Trend: Youth mental health and well-being

What they can speak to: How social media, AI and digital environments affect youth development; where current safeguards fall short; and what parents, educators, policymakers and tech companies should be watching in 2026.

In their own words: "In 2026, youth mental health will command national attention as we're seeing how profoundly technology use including social media and AI use are shaping emotional development, brain development, sleep patterns, and overall well-being. Parents, educators and clinicians are increasingly confronting a reality in which digital environments often outpace the safeguards meant to protect young people. As the pressure grows for stronger guardrails-both from tech companies and policymakers-youth well-being will remain one of the most closely watched public health issues of the year."

Molly De Marco, associate professor of nutrition

Trend: Food access and SNAP benefits

What they can speak to: How shifts in economic conditions and public trust affect benefit usage; which populations are most at risk of losing access; and the downstream impacts on health and food security.

In their own words: "Economic volatility may push more households to depend on public benefits like SNAP, yet policies may create new barriers for families to access or maintain these benefits. Additionally, some populations may experience more distrust of governmental entities, creating new barriers to accessing benefits even when they're eligible. Next year is a year to watch for how public benefits are utilized and the trickle-down impacts of their use or not."

Lindsey Smith-Tallie, associate chair of academics and associate professor, Department of Nutrition, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health

Trend: Food and nutrition policy

What they can speak to:

How federal and state food policies shape everyday diets; where political momentum may stall or accelerate; and what policy changes could most improve public health outcomes.

In their own words: "Policies that shape our food environment-from agricultural subsidies to labeling standards and school meal regulations-are coming under sharper scrutiny. After a year of heightened bipartisan attention to the links between diet and chronic disease, 2026 will be a critical test of whether federal momentum translates into meaningful policy shifts. The decisions made this year could fundamentally reshape how healthier foods become accessible, affordable and normalized in households across the country."

Climate, Environment and Resiliency

Greg Characklis, director, Institute for Risk Management and Insurance Innovation

Trend: Climate resiliency

What they can speak to: How climate risk is being quantified across sectors; what resilience financing looks like in practice; and why managing climate risk is becoming central to economic stability.

In their own words: "With extreme weather events accelerating in both frequency and intensity, every sector-from municipal planners and homeowners to insurers and capital markets-is confronting a new baseline of risk. The growing exposure to financial losses is catalyzing rapid innovation in climate analytics and resilience financing, positioning risk management as one of the most important fields for safeguarding economic stability in the years ahead."

Antonia Sebastian, assistant professor, Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences

Trend: Flooding outside FEMA flood zones

What they can speak to: Why flooding is expanding beyond FEMA-designated zones; how communities can adapt planning and infrastructure; and what this means for homeowners, insurers and policymakers.

In their own words: "Flooding is no longer a risk confined to traditional FEMA flood zones. As climate patterns shift, we're seeing major flooding occur in places previously considered safe. In the years ahead, more people will be affected as extreme weather intensifies, making it essential that communities plan proactively and adapt to these emerging realities."

Sarav Arunachalam, deputy director, Institute for the Environment

Trend: Air quality

What they can speak to: How climate change and development are reshaping air quality risks; what communities should understand about exposure; and where accountability and mitigation efforts are headed.

"In their own words: "Air quality will be a central media storyline in 2026 as climate-driven wildfires, industrial expansions, rapidly growing energy needs and urban congestion merge into a single, measurable threat to daily life, prompting urgent questions about environmental responsibility."

Jessica Murfree, assistant professor, Exercise and Sport Science

Trend: Climate and major sporting events

What they can speak to: How extreme heat, artificial snow, and weather volatility affect major sporting events; how sport can raise awareness of climate risks; and what this signals for youth and collegiate athletics.

In their own words: "There are major sporting events coming to the world stage in 2026, including the Winter Olympic Games in Italy and the FIFA Men's World Cup across North America. From artificial snow to extreme heat, these two events bring up climate change concerns for athletes, fans, staff and the media. Yet, sport can also serve as a platform for awareness of climate hazards, vulnerabilities, and solutions. These mega events are also ecological indicators for collegiate and youth sport in our own communities."

Noah Kittner, associate professor, Environmental Sciences and Engineering

Trend: Sustainable energy systems and critical minerals

What they can speak to: "How materials, battery storage and critical minerals shape the energy transition; challenges around solar and battery waste; and what sustainable grid design looks like in the next decade.

In their own words: In my work on sustainable energy systems, I focus on how we can design a cleaner electric grid using materials, extending equipment lifetimes and reducing waste across the energy supply chain. This is key as universities, utilities and policymakers grapple with how to manage end-of-life for solar panels, batteries and other technologies. My research group is also examining the role of critical minerals, like lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements to enable long-term duration of battery storage and grid decarbonization. Identifying more sustainable extraction resources like these, or considering alternative design solutions, are becoming central to transitioning toward a cleaner grid system."

Economy, Jobs and Education

Christian Lundblad, Richard "Dick" Levin Distinguished Professor of Finance and senior associate dean for faculty and research at UNC Kenan-Flagler

What they can speak to: Global and emerging-market finance, including how macroeconomic forces, cross-border capital flows and policy decisions affect markets and investment outcomes. He can translate complex market dynamics into clear insights about what they mean for investors, businesses and the broader economy.

In their own words: "I can help journalists unpack what a slower-but-fragile 2-3% global growth world could mean for 2026, especially how high public and corporate debt, shifting risk appetite, and uneven inflation and interest-rate paths may rewire capital allocation, hiring plans, and day-to-day risk management."

James Barricelli, assistant vice chancellor for career development; executive director, UNC Career Center

Trend: Getting a job in a challenging market

What they can speak to: How AI is reshaping entry-level hiring; which skills employers value most; and how students can prepare for a competitive and fast-changing job market

In their own words: "The job market is more competitive and more dynamic, with AI reshaping opportunities for new graduates. Employers are looking for talent who can pair technological fluency with creativity, communication and sound judgment. At UNC, we help students develop these skills while gaining practical, real-world experience through internships, research, and early career exploration. This combination of preparation and support ensures Tar Heels are well-equipped to thrive in our rapidly changing economy."

Beth Mayer-Davis, dean of The Graduate School and the Cary C. Boshamer Distinguished Professor of Nutrition and Medicine

Trend: Online graduate education and non-traditional learners

What they can speak to: How graduate education is evolving for working adults; what distinguishes high-quality online programs and how universities are adapting support models for scale.

In their own words: "As dean of the Graduate School, I have a front-row view of how the profile of graduate students is changing, with more working adults and other non-traditional learners looking for high-quality online pathways. That makes 2026 an inflection point, because universities will be judged less on simply offering online degrees and more on whether they build the academic, advising and career support that helps these students succeed at scale. At Carolina, we are strengthening those comprehensive student supports, and I can share what we are learning about where online graduate education is headed next, including how program design, faculty engagement and career alignment will likely define quality in the years ahead."

Todd Boyette, director, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
Trend: Experiential learning

What they can speak to: Why hands-on, informal, and free-choice learning experiences are increasingly critical in a digital world; how science centers and cultural institutions complement formal education; and what experiential learning looks like at scale in 2026.

In their own words: "As learners navigate an increasingly complex world, experiential education is not simply an enhancement to learning. It is an essential pathway through which people of all ages discover curiosity, build competence and grow in confidence. We spend less than 5% of our lives in classrooms, and most of what we come to understand about the world is shaped by free-choice, informal, hands-on experiences. These moments of exploration spark wonder, strengthen scientific reasoning and help individuals see themselves as capable contributors to a better society. This spirit of discovery and possibility will be vital in 2026 and in the years ahead."

Sheryl Waddell, director, economic development and innovation hubs

Trend: Universities as economic engines and startup factories

What they can speak to: How startup pipelines, innovation hubs, and industry partnerships translate research into jobs and investment, and how universities measure economic impact.

In their own words: "Public universities are no longer just educating students; they are quietly becoming some of the most powerful economic development engines in their states. Through startup pipelines, industry partnerships and innovation hubs, institutions like UNC can show measurable impact in jobs, tax base, and investment-turning research and student ideas into real companies that stay and grow in the region."

Housing, Communities and Civic Life

Roberto Quercia, professor of city and regional planning

Trend: Affordable housing

What they can speak to: How demographic shifts, regulation, and supply constraints intersect; why younger generations are being priced out; and which policy solutions show promise.

In their own words: "Affordable housing will be a major focus in 2026 as rising living costs, urban population growth, constrained supply, burdensome regulation, and the impact of economic inequality intensify the housing crisis. The importance of affordable housing will push policymakers, developers, and communities to prioritize innovative approaches, recognizing housing affordability as a core contributor to economic vitality in the United States."

John Rose, professor of the practice, School of Civic Life and Leadership

Trend: Civil discourse in polarized times

What they can speak to: Why polarization is eroding civic trust; how individuals and institutions can model constructive engagement; and why civil discourse skills are increasingly critical.

In their own words: "In a moment when polarization feels sharper than ever, strengthening our communities starts with learning how to engage one another respectfully. Civil discourse isn't about agreeing on every issue, it's about creating space to listen, challenge constructively and work toward shared solutions. If we want healthier, more resilient communities, this skill is no longer optional."

Mark Holmes, professor of health policy and management and director of Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research.

Trend: Rural healthcare access

What they can speak to: How Medicaid, Medicare, and marketplace changes affect rural providers; why some hospitals are more vulnerable; and what closures or service reductions mean for communities.

In their own words: "Rural healthcare access will emerge as a defining issue in 2026. This year, we've seen policy changes that reduced Medicaid and Medicare funding to hospitals, as well as a potential increase in premiums for marketplace plans. These policies place strain on the financial health of these facilities; as a result, we will likely see shifts in healthcare facilities whether that's reducing services, changing to different types of healthcare facilities, or potentially closing. Hospitals embedded within larger health systems may be better positioned to withstand these shifts, but independent hospitals may face larger challenges."

Law, Policy and Elections

Michael Gerhardt, Ph.D, Distinguished Professor of Jurisprudence, UNC School of Law

Trend: Constitutional law

What they can speak to: How constitutional norms are being tested; the role of courts and institutions; and what is at stake for civil rights and democratic governance.

In their own words: "We can expect that, in the year 2026, the Constitution and the American people will continue to be challenged by the Trump administration's disdain for the law. Time and again, we saw in 2025 how the President and his allies in government have tried to damage the rule of law, higher education, national security, the economy, and public health. Protecting the institutions of government and the civil rights of Americans and respect for the rule of law will continue to be major concerns for the nation. The robustness of the rule of law will depend on how strongly the American people are willing to fight for it."

Eisha Jain, Henry P. Brandis Distinguished Professor of Law

Trend: Immigration enforcement

What they can speak to: The legal limits of enforcement tactics; the role of police in immigration; and the impact on citizens and non-citizens alike.

In their own words: "Immigration enforcement - raids, police stops, and surveillance through traffic cameras and other means - will very likely continue to dominate the news. Key questions include the constitutional limits on the government's power, the role of police in immigration enforcement; and the impact of immigration stops on citizens and non-citizens alike."

Phil Dixon, teaching associate professor; director, public defense education
Trend: Hemp regulation

What they can speak to: How upcoming federal legislation could criminalize common hemp products; tensions between state and federal law; and what this means for businesses and consumers.

In their own words: "2026 will likely be a pivotal year for the hemp industry. Federal legislation redefining hemp takes effect next November that will criminalize many-perhaps most-popular hemp products. The hemp industry is sure to lobby Congress for a less restrictive definition over the next year to preserve the multi-billion-dollar market. Without new legislation, however, a wide array of hemp business will be forced to either close or operate under threat of a federal criminal and civil penalties. Many states, including North Carolina, currently have a far more permissive definition of hemp than the new federal standards, and the conflict between state and federal law states will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, policymakers, and consumers alike. North Carolina has also previously considered state-level regulation of hemp products without reaching a legislative consensus, and the General Assembly may return to that issue in 2026.