The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth recently celebrated our one-year anniversary. We launched last fall with an ambitious mission: to combine frontier research and pioneering educational programs to produce new insights, ideas, and practical solutions that will allow society to balance the risks of a changing climate with the essential need for human progress. One year later, we have achieved major milestones in each of our core areas of work as we continue to build the Institute and its core programs. There is much to share, but also much to do.
Please enjoy these highlights, celebrate with us by sharing our progress with your networks on LinkedIn, Instagram and X, and stay engaged in the work ahead.
MILESTONE 1
We Raised More Than $125M in Our First 125 Days
Our mission of addressing climate change while balancing the need for growth is resonating. In our first 125 days, the Institute raised $125 million to support our work, demonstrating deep and widespread interest in developing new ideas and solutions to combating climate change, as well as in fostering a new generation of climate leaders. Learn More
MILESTONE 2
We Launched an Undergraduate Major and Master’s Program
We launched a new undergraduate major in Climate and Sustainable Growth and a Master in Climate and Energy Policy with the Harris School of Public Policy. They are the first degree programs anchored in our Institute’s Chicago Curriculum on Climate and Sustainable Growth, a radical new approach to climate education that provides students with a 360-degree understanding of this critical topic. More on Education
MILESTONE 3
We Launched our Institute in India
With our launch in India, the Institute will be a platform for UChicago scholars to work with local partners to conduct research and support policy development and delivery, including in emissions markets, energy economics, and climate systems engineering. Learn more
MILESTONE 4
We Established the Venture and Seed Funds to Foster Cutting-Edge Research Across UChicago
We awarded 29 grants to University of Chicago faculty generating the next big climate ideas and breaking down traditional academic boundaries across the University. The Seed Fund fosters early-stage research exploring new climate ideas, while the Venture Fund builds an ecosystem of scholars to conduct advanced, multidisciplinary research. Explore the Projects
MILESTONE 5
We Launched the Polsky Energy Transition Leadership Academy
The new Polsky Energy Transition Leadership Academy, provides young researchers with an in-depth understanding of the research process as well as experiential learning opportunities in the energy sector. As part of the program, we welcomed our inaugural cohort of 27 Polsky Research Fellows—our first large-scale, full-time, paid research initiative for undergraduates. The Fellows worked as research assistants to faculty mentors this summer. More on the Polsky Fellows
MILESTONE 6
We Launched Two New Research Initiatives
Our first two venture fund awardees brought their cutting-edge ideas to life, officially launching as new initiatives. The Human-Centered Weather Forecasting Initiative (HCF) is using the power of AI to build weather forecasts targeted to the needs of the Global South. The Center for Advanced Materials for Environmental Solutions (CAMES) is building new materials to reduce the impact of climate change. More on HCF More on CAMES
MILESTONE 7
We Started an Immersive Summer Fellows Program in India
This summer, 15 undergraduates spent three weeks in India as the inaugural cohort of the India Summer Fellows Program. The new annual program provides students with first-hand exposure to the unique challenges and opportunities India faces while balancing climate change, energy demand and economic growth. India Summer Fellows Program
MILESTONE 8
We Introduced a New Podcast
We launched Shocked, a podcast aimed at sharing new ways of thinking about the climate and energy challenge from people on the frontlines, as well as cutting-edge solutions. Axios journalist Amy Harder and Institute Director Michael Greenstone co-host Shocked—rated the #1 Earth Sciences podcast and in the Top 20 Science podcasts in Apple Podcasts. Listen to Shocked
MILESTONE 9
We Expanded Real World Opportunities for Students
To foster learning beyond the classroom, the Institute brings student delegations to key climate and energy gatherings. The program expanded this year beyond the UN’s international climate conference, COP, to include CERAWeek and Climate Week NYC. The competitive programs provide vital opportunities for students to learn from and network with leaders in government, industry and NGOs. More on Global Experiences
MILESTONE 10
We Served as the Academic Thought Partner for Aspen Ideas
The Institute was proud to serve as the official thought partner for the summit, which brought together more than 1,300 leaders from business, government, philanthropy, and more. In collaborating with Aspen Ideas, the Institute added global expertise and cutting-edge research insights to the three-day conference, co-curating several sessions. More on Aspen Ideas
Other Moments to Celebrate
We Hired Our First New Faculty Member, the First of Nearly 20 the Institute will Recruit
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EPIC’s New Emissions Market Accelerator Was Recognized as an Earthshot Finalist
Learn More What They’re Saying
ETI Director Y. Shirley Meng was named the Liew Family Professor in Molecular Engineering
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CSEi Receives $5 Million Grant from Quadrature Climate Foundation to Advance SRM Research
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We Welcomed Former Senior Leaders as our Inaugural Cohort of Distinguished Fellows
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We Hosted Former Secretary of Energy Ernie Moniz with Former Senator Heidi Heitkamp
Learn More What They’re Saying
David Keith was Among Vox’s 2024 Future Perfect 50 “Working to Make the Future a Better Place”
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ETI Partnered with Gachon University to Advance Battery Research
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We Welcomed Axios Correspondent Amy Harder as Inaugural Journalism Fellow
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We Are Building Our Leadership Team
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EPIC Scholar Ryan Kellogg was named the Ralph and Mary Otis Isham Professor at the Harris School of Public Policy
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CSEi Awarded Seed/Faculty Grants to more than a Dozen Projects Across UChicago
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EPIC/AP-NORC Released Poll Exploring Americans’ Views on Climate Change and Policy
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CSEi Welcomed Three Research Assistant Professors
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We Welcomed Conor Carney to Lead Our Pioneering Education Program
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EPIC Celebrated One Year of EPIC’s Air Quality Fund, Marking Global Impact
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ETI’s Shirley Meng Received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the North American Advanced Technology Battery Trade Association
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CSEi Welcomes its Inaugural Cohort of Research Fellows
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