Research


Advancing Knowledge and Empowering Change

In partnership with industry and the state, we will explore ways to strengthen alignment with Connecticut’s economic development and workforce needs, including cultivating an active entrepreneurial environment.  - University of Connecticut Strategic Plan 2024-2034

Our community is at the heart of what we do.

By integrating advanced technology, scientific innovation, and insights from our extensive network of partners, UConn’s Institute of the Environment and Energy generates knowledge that drives better decision-making for people, health, energy, food, and water. Viewed through the lens of sustainability, artificial intelligence, and climate change, these insights equip industry, agencies, and communities with the tools to anticipate risk, seize opportunities, and create a thriving, sustainable future.

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Climate

Advancing a safer, more stable future by developing knowledge products and tools that inform preparedness and responses to trends and extreme weather events. Our applied research supports efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and helps partners anticipate and adapt to heat waves, floods, sea level rise, shifting ecosystem composition and function, productivity changes, supply chain disruptions, and wildfires.
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Sustainability

At the intersection of science, innovation, and community impact, IoEE champions sustainability across the board. We take a systems approach that prioritizes resilience, adaptability, response, and recovery, with solutions that serve people and the planet. From advancing clean energy technologies and sustainable food systems, to harnessing AI for climate-smart decision-making, we empower all kinds of diverse communities to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
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Artificial Intelligence

Advancing core AI research in machine learning, reasoning, and integrative systems, IoEE also tackles the critical socio-technological challenges posed by AI such as privacy, cybersecurity, and sustainability. Through applications in health, defense, energy, systems science, and transportation, we are committed to developing responsible, resilient technologies that serve society.
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People, Place, and Policy

Collaborating with community members, leaders, stakeholders, policy makers and tech professionals to build and maintain healthy, resilient, and sustainable communities and ecosystems; and supporting innovative, community-led and need-informed translational-research initiatives to solve complex problems associated with the green energy transition, climate risk and disaster preparedness, environmental quality, socioeconomic sustainability, and community health and wellbeing, while also informing policy efforts to ensure the benefits of research are distributed equitably and effectively on local, regional, and national scales.
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Health

Generating cross-disciplinary scientific knowledge that identifies and assesses health risks linked to climate change, pollution, and emerging contaminants such as PFAS. We support integrated planning and cross-sector collaboration that prioritize long-term well-being, public safety, and health equity.
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Energy

Informing efforts to advance sustainable, electrified, and zero-carbon systems while addressing grid reliability and long-term energy planning needs. We provide research and analysis to support decisions toward a secure, affordable, and modern energy future.
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Water

Producing actionable science to inform the management of water resources for clean, reliable supplies and healthy ecosystems. Our work supports efforts to reduce pollution, restore wetlands, and strengthen resilience to drought, floods, and other challenges in partnership with communities, agencies, and industry.
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Food Systems

Generating cross-disciplinary scientific knowledge that identifies and assesses health risks linked to climate change, pollution, and emerging contaminants such as PFAS. We support integrated planning and cross-sector collaboration that prioritize long-term well-being, public safety, and health equity.

Research Highlights

Transmissions lines against a dark blue and purple cloudy sky with lightning
Energy

A parametric framework for evaluating power outrage risk trends under changing climatic conditions

Published: 28 March 2025

Author(s)Stergious Emmanouil

Affiliations: Eversource Energy Center

 

Two engineers wearing hard hats and reflective vests standing on a rooftop with wind turbines in the background
Sustainability People, Place, and Policy

Engineers as Problem-Solvers for Sustainable Development?—Exploring Students' Learning Outcomes From Sustainability and Human Rights-Centered Approaches in Engineering Education

Published: 26 May 2025

Author(s): Shareen Hertel, Wiktor Osiatyński

Affiliations: Chair of Human Rights & Professor of Political Science, Department of Political Science

Construction of stormwater infrastruture
People, Place, and Policy

Can Fairness Flow in Philly? Real Estate Assessment Equity for Green Stormwater infrastructure Finance

Published: 17 June 2025

Author(s): Jeffrey P. Cohen, Kinnard Scholar in Real Estate and Professor

Affiliations: School of Business