Green roof projects at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center encourage people to consider innovative ways of thinking about ecology Photo: Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center
A recent study by the Energy Institute found the university attracts and supports over $70 million a year in energy related research. The university has a long tradition of research in conventional energy fields and a growing nexus of research in alternative energy and energy storage fields. A recent Office of Sustainability study of active awards in 2013 in the Office of Sponsored Projects found 12% were focused on sustainability issues, including non-engineering and geoscience fields such as environmental, natural and social sciences. We will continue leadership in our historical areas of strength and build our efforts in emerging sustainability fields.
Planet Texas 2050
In his 2016 State of the University address, President Fenves introduced Bridging Barriers, a university-wide grand challenges initiative that brings together experts from across the 40 acres to address pressing problems facing Texas, the nation, and beyond. With the launch of Planet Texas 2050, The University of Texas at Austin now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with research institutions from around the world that are dedicated to working in new ways and across academic disciplines to respond to major environmental and humanitarian crises. Planet Texas 2050 is an eight-year sprint to find solutions that will make our communities more resilient and better prepared. If you’re a UT researcher and would like to participate in or stay informed about upcoming themes, please visit the internal Bridging Barriers webpage (EID required).