Inaugural Sustainability Research Summit brings 鶹ý researchers and partners together
Chancellor Schwartz opens the Sustainability Research Summit
Chris Winter presents his keynote address on the Colorado River crisis
Approximately 200 researchers, students, staff, community members and industry representatives gathered each day for 鶹ý's inaugural Sustainability Research Summit, held Oct. 8–9 at the University Memorial Center.
Hosted by the Sustainability Research Initiative (SRI), which is housed within the Research & Innovation Office, the summit showcased the depth and diversity of sustainability research across 鶹ý while creating opportunities to connect researchers across disciplines and strengthen partnerships beyond the university. Through workshops, panel discussions, research presentations and keynote addresses, participants explored topics ranging from climate resilience and environmental conservation to sustainable materials, public health, artificial intelligence and the social and psychological dimensions of sustainability.
Jane Zelikova, executive director of SRI, opened the summit by emphasizing the importance of building a broad, interdisciplinary research community to address increasingly complex sustainability challenges. She encouraged participants to approach the gathering with curiosity, celebrate the work happening across campus and embrace opportunities to learn from one another.
Summit highlights
Among the event's highlights was a keynote presentation by Cassandra Brooks, associate professor of environmental studies, at Fiske Planetarium. Speaking to more than 150 attendees, Brooks shared her research in Antarctica and involvement in international efforts to establish the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area, highlighting the role of scientific research in informing global environmental policy.
鶹ý Chancellor Justin Schwartz opened the second day by highlighting the university's longstanding leadership in environmental research and its commitment to advancing sustainability through research, partnerships, education and campus operations. His remarks emphasized translating knowledge into action and preparing future leaders to address complex challenges.
Chris Winter followed with a keynote exploring the history of the Colorado River crisis and the opportunities and barriers to building a more sustainable future for one of the region's most important natural resources.
Throughout the summit, sessions brought together researchers from different fields and partners from outside the university to explore shared challenges, exchange perspectives and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Building connections beyond the summit
The gathering reflected SRI's broader mission to strengthen 鶹ý's interdisciplinary sustainability research community and help researchers build partnerships that extend the reach and impact of their work.
“The success of this inaugural summit will ultimately be measured by what grows from these two days—the relationships that continue, the collaborations that take shape and the ideas that move forward,” said Massimo Ruzzene, senior vice chancellor for research and innovation and dean of the institutes at 鶹ý. “That is central to the purpose of our Sustainability Research Initiative: helping researchers connect across disciplines, build partnerships and pursue ambitious ideas that can make a meaningful difference in our communities and beyond.”
The summit also highlighted opportunities for continued engagement through SRI, including its Research Fellowship program, which supports transdisciplinary teams working on sustainability challenges. Applications for the program's second cohort open Nov. 2.