What are research communities?
Humanity is already feeling the consequences of current environmental crises such as biodiversity loss and climate change. There is an imperative to develop coordinated, innovative, impactful, and inclusive solutions to these broad and complex problems. In response to this urgent and growing need, the Environmental Innovations Initiative catalyzes collaboration through our Research Communities.
A Research Community consists of an interdisciplinary group engaged in studying a common theme of broad environmental significance in one of three defined tracks: Stewardship of Nature, Climate Action, and Societal Resilience. Each one should meaningfully involve different disciplines, include at least one public-facing outcome, and provide concrete opportunities for student involvement.
Create a Research Community
The call for proposals for AY 2025-26 begins on February 18 and closes on March 21. Selected applications stand to receive up to $25,000 in April. Applications must be led by faculty and may involve fellow faculty, students, staff members, and/or external partners as collaborators. This is a one-year opportunity, renewable for up to three years. Successful research communities integrate knowledge, data, methods, or theories from multiple disciplines to generate real-world solutions to environmental challenges at local to global scales.
