Today's energy and environmental challenges provide opportunities to improve, to innovate, and to overcome. These opportunities are where Penn State and IEE researchers develop science-based solutions through interdisciplinary research related to its five research themes: Climate and Natural Systems, Health and the Environment, Integrated Energy Systems, Equitable Communities and the Built Environment, and Water Sustainability.
Research Projects
IEE funds and supports basic and applied research projects on strategic interdisciplinary topics that leverage faculty expertise to solve critical energy and environmental challenges.
Research Awards
IEE's Research Awards program acknowledges research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and faculty mentorship.
Research Themes
IEE's five 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.
Climate and Natural Systems
Studying Earth's interconnected systems, climate and natural systems research helps us understand how human activities impact our planet's delicate balance, including climate change, to guide us towards sustainability.
Health and the Environment
Just as humans affect the environment, the environment affects humans. Penn State researchers are collaborating on ways that human health is being impacted, from pollution and toxins to infectious disease and climate change.
Integrated Energy Systems
New sources of power generation are needed to meet skyrocketing world energy demand. Penn State researchers innovate solutions and lead efforts that support a scalable, abundant, safe, affordable, and clean energy.
Equitable Communities and the Built Environment
Through a better understanding of the built environment – our cities, homes, and infrastructure – and its relationship to equity and justice, we can develop and implement better design choices and policies that can support a sustainable future and foster inclusive communities.
Water Sustainability
By understanding the complex interactions between water and human activity, we can work towards a future where this vital resource is accessible, clean, and supports healthy ecosystems and thriving communities.