Research Communities

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 community must include at least one public-facing outcome and offer opportunities for students to get involved.

Create a research community

Faculty are invited to submit proposals to create or renew a research community through our annual call for proposals. This is a one-year opportunity with the possibility of renewal for up to three years. Successful applications will engage multiple disciplines and have cultural, social, and political dimensions that open up the possibility for ongoing interdisciplinary engagement. Call for proposals is now closed.

Current research communities

Climate Action

Global Climate Impacts, Risks and Vulnerabilities

Incorporating scientific insights into decision-making is crucial for addressing the impacts of climate change.

Societal Resilience

Stewardship of Nature

Catalyzing Nature-Based Solutions to Address Urban Water Challenges in Philadelphia Communities

Access to clean water and the protection of freshwater ecosystems in cities like Philadelphia, within the Northeast Mega Region, face threats from climate change.

Societal Resilience

How Private Actors Build Societal Resilience to Environmental Crises

Individuals facing socioeconomic disadvantages and structural inequalities are disproportionately affected by environmental crises, including those stemming from climate change.

Election Ballot Photo AdobeStock 230157974

Climate Action

Societal Resilience

Public Deliberation on Climate Transitions and Well-Being

Society is currently engaged in major transitions prompted by the climate emergency and other environmental crises. These green transitions pose a formidable suite of challenges.

Climate Action

Stewardship of Nature

One Health@Penn

A growing recognition of the intimate connection between humans, animals, and the environment has underscored that an interdisciplinary, multisectoral strategy is crucial to address complex health challenges.

Children at a Project Based Learning Class of Global Climate Justice

Climate Action

Project-Based Learning for Global Climate Justice

K-12 schools and higher education institutions can play a pivotal role in this response by creating opportunities for students to have a meaningful impact on their communities now while also inspiring their commitment to this work in the future

Societal Resilience

Stewardship of Nature

Penn Regenerative Ag Alliance

Regenerative Agricultural describes holistic farming and grazing practices aimed at improving soil health via rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring degraded soil biodiversity.

Previous research communities

Climate Action

Societal Resilience

Understanding Climate Anxiety and Messaging in Climate Change Communication

People across the globe share concern about climate change and its impacts.

Climate Action

Stewardship of Nature

Symbiotic Architecture for Environmental Justice

In Philadelphia, soil and air pollution affects the most vulnerable, with children at a particularly elevated risk of health impacts.

Philadelphia Skyline Credit Action Vance Unsplash

Societal Resilience

Public Health, Cities, and the Climate Crisis

Structural inequities in urban settings exacerbate challenges to climate awareness, coping, mitigation, and adaptation

Stewardship of Nature

Laboratorio para Apreciar La Vida y El Ambiente - Mar (LAVA-Mar)

Globally renowned for its biological, historical, and scientific importance, the Galápagos Archipelago is attractive to tourists and scientists alike.

Societal Resilience

Stewardship of Nature

Growing Together: A Community-Based Initiative for Greening, Health, and Nutrition

Poor air quality and rising heat stress exposure have critical environmental health impacts in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Societal Resilience

Adapting to Extreme Heat in Philadelphia to Increase Human Vitality

The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability (OOS) has identified increased precipitation/flooding and increased heat as the main dangers of climate change to Philadelphia with underserved neighborhoods of color being particularly at risk for the worst effects.