three researchers in personal protective equipment roll a black tarp over a research plot between solar panels in a grassy field

Research

From textiles to nanotech, UW–Madison faculty and staff are committed to finding solutions to some of today’s greatest environmental challenges and leading the way to a more sustainable future. In 2023, 316 faculty members across 75 departments were engaged in sustainability-related research.

The Office of Sustainability supports both academic and applied research, partnering with and amplifying the work of postdoctoral researchers, practitioners, students, and scientists.

Campus as a Living Lab

The Office of Sustainability supports research-backed and research-enabling activities campus-wide. Our 2.5 million square feet of built environment and more than 2000 acres of natural environment provide a rich laboratory for sustainability.

two students wearing safety glasses drill hardware into a piece of wood
Partial map of researchers engaged in sustainability research at UW-Madison

Sustainability Research Hub

The Sustainability Research Hub is a service of the Nelson Institute and the Office of Sustainability, aimed at bringing large, interdisciplinary sustainability research grants to campus.

Sustainability Experts List

UW–Madison is a global leader in sustainability-related research, from climate change and public health to poverty and water issues. The database of experts on this page is intended to foster the sustainability community and encourage collaboration.

Graduate students Lingyin Li u0028leftu0029 and Ratmir Derda prepare materials under a fume hood in Laura L. Kiesslingu0027s research lab in the Chemistry Building at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
two students stand in front of a poster board entitled "Wisconsin Women's Soccer Waste Audit Case Study"

Sustainability Symposium

The annual UW–Madison Sustainability Symposium offers the campus community an opportunity to share research about sustainability, generate ideas, and inspire collaboration.