Materials Research Institute seed grants aim to spark interdisciplinary research
| psu.edu
The Materials Research Institute (MRI) offers the MRI Interdisciplinary Seed Grant to Penn State researchers that encourage high-risk, high-impact collaborative projects across multiple disciplines with great potential for societal benefit. The call for proposals is now open for 2026-27, with applications due by 5 p.m. Eastern time on Jan. 30.
Industry leaders join Penn State to shape the future of Sustainable Labs Program
| psu.edu
Penn State’s Sustainable Labs Program recently hosted its inaugural Industry Day, bringing together industry leaders, graduate researchers, campus partners and undergraduate sustainability consultants. The day strengthened connections between student learning and industry expertise and shaped a long-term vision for sustainable research spaces through hands-on opportunities that build sustainability knowledge and professional skills.
Q&A: Environmental protection benefits the American economy and public health
| psu.edu
The impacts of environmental protection on public health and the economy outweigh the costs of implementing and enforcing environmental regulations, according to Penn State researchers who conducted a cost-benefit analysis using data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The mystery of the missing ocean plastic
| by Raymond Najjar
Millions of tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, yet we can find only a fraction of it. New research uncovers where this missing pollution may actually be hiding.
Institute for Computational and Data Sciences funds eight mid-scale seed grants
| psu.edu
The Penn State Institute for Computational and Data Sciences' Mid-Scale Seed Grant Program has awarded eight teams of Penn State researchers for projects that will contribute to one or more of the institute's research hubs or affiliated centers.
Penn State to bring hands-on learning to 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show
| psu.edu
At the Pennsylvania Farm Show, to be held Jan. 10-17, 2026, in Harrisburg, faculty and extension educators from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences will offer interactive activities and expert guidance on topics ranging from mental wellness and food preservation to invasive species and water quality.
Penn State Harrisburg research enterprise sees record growth, measurable impact
| psu.edu
Penn State’s research enterprise exceeded $1.44 billion in research expenditures in fiscal year 2024-25 — marking another year of record University-wide growth — and Penn State Harrisburg made crucial contributions to that momentum. Building on the strength of the University’s expanding research impact, the college reached its own record levels of productivity this year, contributing $9.8 million in research expenditures, a 32% increase over the previous year.
Dinosaur extinction shaped modern forests and rivers, researchers find
| psu.edu
The sudden extinction of the dinosaurs dramatically altered the North American landscape, according to a recent study published by a multi-institutional team including researchers from Penn State.
Institute for Computational and Data Sciences seeks Rising Researchers proposals
| psu.edu
The Penn State Institute for Computational and Data Sciences (ICDS) is accepting proposals from Penn State faculty for the next round of the ICDS Rising Researcher Collaborations Funding Opportunity for 2026-27.
A hard year for federal workers offers a real-time lesson in resilience
| theconversation.com
During a year of extraordinary uncertainty, workers built resilient networks within and across boundaries and distance. An anthropologist explains how these clusters and long-distance ties help people cope, organize and adapt.
EarthTalks: Pa. sees ‘promising opportunities’ for critical minerals production
| psu.edu
Gale Blackmer, the Pennsylvania state geologist, will speak Dec. 8 at University Park as part of the EarthTalks seminar series. Her presentation will focus on critical minerals research at the state Geological Survey.
Sustainable Communities Collaborative to showcase measurable community impact
| psu.edu
Students from across Penn State will present their fall semester Sustainable Communities Collaborative projects during the Campus and Community Sustainability Expo, co-hosted by State College Borough and Penn State Sustainability on Dec. 11. The poster-style event brings together students, faculty, community partners and local residents to highlight project outcomes and foster new connections.