At the Institute of Energy and the Environment:
We believe in a future where people and the planet thrive together
That future requires both a healthy environment and energy that is dependable, clean, safe, and affordable. The challenges are urgent and complex — and they demand solutions that bring people, disciplines, and ideas together.
We know energy and the environment are inseparable
How we produce, distribute, and use energy shapes air and water quality, community resilience, ecosystem health, and the stability of our climate. Building a sustainable future requires understanding and acting on these connections.
We unite expertise to deliver real-world impact
We build teams across science, engineering, policy, and the social sciences to address energy and environmental challenges that no single field can solve alone — moving research from discovery into practice.
Featured Insights and Innovations
Penn State experts explore energy and environmental challenges and solutions.
The mystery of the missing ocean plastic
Millions of tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, yet we can find only a fraction of it.
Understanding and preventing tick-borne disease in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is one of the top states in the U.S. for reported cases of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
Why AI uses so much energy — and what we can do about it
From powering massive data centers to generating e-waste, AI’s environmental footprint is growing fast.
Research Themes
Energy and environmental challenges demand new ideas and collaboration. IEE’s five research themes organize interdisciplinary work, bringing Penn State and IEE researchers together around shared challenges and areas of focus to develop science-based solutions.
Climate and Natural Systems
Understanding Earth’s systems, feedbacks, and anthropogenic impacts
Health and the Environment
How environmental conditions affect human health and wellbeing
Integrated Energy Systems
Energy production, distribution, storage technologies, and grid integration
Equitable Communities & the Built Environment
How communities, planning, infrastructure, and design shape equitable, sustainable outcomes
Water Sustainability
Water quality, quantity, access, ecosystems, and human use
Collaborate with Us
IEE's reach and involvement span all of the Penn State campuses, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the globe. Our research themes focus on timely energy and environmental challenges, as well as the unique opportunities that Penn State researchers have in shaping our shared future.
Research & Education
Learn about Penn State energy and environmental research, faculty, education, and funding opportunities.
News & Events
Read about the latest research that is happening at Penn State and browse a collection of upcoming in-person and virtual events.
Giving
Give today for a better tomorrow. Help transform research to action - for your community, for our community, for the global community.