UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Institute of Energy and the Environment has announced an update to its research themes. The change is to better align three of the research themes with the energy and environmental research being done at Penn State, and with efforts to recognize the importance of community and justice.  

The three new themes are: 

• Climate and Natural Systems (replacing Climate and Ecosystem Change) 
• Equitable Communities and the Built Environment (replacing Urban Systems) 
• Water Sustainability (replacing Water and Biogeochemical Cycles) 

The institute’s other two research themes, Integrated Energy Systems and Health and the Environment, will remain the same.  

"Our research portfolio is flourishing," said Bruce Logan, director of the Institute of Energy and the Environment. "To keep pace, we're refining our research themes to better reflect the human element at the heart of our work, finding real-world solutions for energy and environmental challenges. This includes strengthening our partnerships with social sciences and other people-focused disciplines. It's all part of our commitment to solving these critical issues through collaborative research." 

The Climate and Natural Systems theme brings together interconnected systems of Earth — the atmosphere, oceans, land and living things. As these systems constantly interact and evolve, research in this area examines these intricate relationships. Scientists can provide insight into how Earth functions and how human activities impact the planet’s delicate balance. Through research and analysis, researchers gain insights into crucial issues like climate change, resource management and ecosystem health. 

The Equitable Communities and the Built Environment theme focuses on people and where they live, work and play. This is because where people live shapes their health, opportunities and overall well-being. Through a better understanding of the built environment — cities, homes and infrastructure — and its relationship to equity and justice, researchers can inform the development and implementation of better design choices and policies that support a sustainable future and foster inclusive communities.   

Finally, the Water Sustainability theme was adjusted to focus exclusively on water and the countless ways it intersects with society and nature. Researchers investigate various challenges associated with water’s availability and quality as well as solutions to issues like water scarcity, pollution, treatment technologies and sustainable management practices. By understanding the complex interactions between water and human activity, scientists can work towards a future where water is accessible, clean, and supports healthy ecosystems and thriving communities. 

Each theme operates as an open working group with regular meetings and is led by a Penn State faculty member. The theme leads are:

• Charles Anderson, professor of biology — for Climate and Natural Systems 
• Gregory Jenkins, professor of meteorology and atmospheric science — for Equitable Communities and the Built Environment  
• Rebecca Bascom, professor, departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences — for Health and the Environment 
• Michael Janik, professor of chemical engineering — for Integrated Energy Systems 
• Christopher Scott, Maurice K. Goddard Chair of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, and professor of ecosystem science and management — for Water Sustainability 

Researchers interested in attending theme group meetings or learning more about the theme groups can contact the theme lead for information.