Research | Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment | Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation

Research

Explore our Research Centers & Initiatives

The world’s biggest sustainability, energy and environmental challenges require innovative, interdisciplinary, inclusive solutions. Our teams tackle complex, real-world problems — transitioning society to sustainable energy, agriculture, resource and infrastructure systems while mitigating and adapting to climate change. The iSEE model incorporates collaborations, cutting-edge science, stakeholder partnerships, and policymaking.

Our Research Themes

Climate Solutions

Energy Transitions

Secure & Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable Infrastructure

Water & Land Stewardship

Engage with iSEE

As a premier research institution, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign features brilliant minds across its campus.

If you are a campus faculty member and your scholarly interests complement one or more of iSEE’s research themes, we encourage you to apply for iSEE faculty or affiliate status >>>

Our institute can help support your research by:

Building interdisciplinary teams
Developing grant proposals
Managing awards
Communicating your accomplishments
Providing seed funding

Learn about our Services Become an Affiliate Seed Funding Opportunities

Research News

2026 RFP: iSEE Announces Seed Funding for Interdisciplinary Research Teams

iSEE is accepting proposals to support interdisciplinary research on ambitious topics related to sustainability, energy, and environment.

New AI Method Advances Prediction of Brazil’s National Soybean Yield

Innovative work by Illinois researchers at the Agroecosystem Sustainability Center strengthens monitoring of global agricultural yields.

Large outdoor wastewater treatment basins filled with aerated, foamy water, separated by concrete dividers, with trees, utility poles, and industrial buildings visible in the background.

Illinois Helps Drive Nutrient Recovery for the Bioeconomy

A $3 million project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA-E) is reimagining how wastewater can be transformed into a source of essential nutrients for agriculture and industry.

Bioenergy Crops Could Cut Aviation Emissions by 80%, Illinois-led Study Finds

The analysis outlines where these crops perform best and what factors shape their potential for sustainable aviation fuel.

Levenick Professorships Honor Guan and Guest for Advancing Global Sustainability

For their leadership in advancing resilient food systems, clean energy transitions, and global sustainability technologies, professors Kaiyu Guan and Jeremy Guest were honored at the University of Illinois.

Lei Zhao Awarded AGU James B. Macelwane Medal

Researcher Lei Zhao, an iSEE affiliate, has been awarded the AGU James B. Macelwane Medal in recognition of his work on climate change and urbanization.

New Site at the Energy Farm Will Accelerate Agrivoltaics Research

A new agrivoltaic system is up and running at the Energy Farm, and will allow researchers to study how solar panels and crops can share space while optimizing energy generation and crop yield.

iSEE Transportation Project Installs Free EV Stations to Study Charging Data

A three-part study will help gather direct user data related to electric vehicle charging on campus, using a readily available charging source: AC outlets.

iSEE Project Shows Benefits of Prairie Grass for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

The multi-year “Next Generation Feedstocks” project has identified economic and environmental considerations that make switchgrass a candidate for SAF.

Our Research Videos

Take an inside look at the work being done by our researchers to create real-world solutions to some of today’s most challenging problems.

Full Playlist