Gund Institute for Environment

Gund Research Themes

Solutions for People and Nature

The Gund Institute focuses on five interconnected themes, each of which is essential to creating a sustainable future for humans and the planet.

We believe that research should inspire action, which is why our themes connect directly to global policy priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This alignment helps foster collaboration with policymakers and business leaders, and helps create greater impact in the world.

Gund research themes are:

The connections between the themes reveal powerful research questions. We tackle these questions with interdisciplinary research that harnesses many of UVM’s areas of academic strength, including economics, health, ecosystem services, complex systems, remote sensing, renewable energy systems, regenerative agriculture, and agroecology.

The Gund Institute advances these themes through all of its major activities, including Catalyst Award seed grants, recruitment of new Fellows and Affiliates, Fellowships to early career scholars, Visiting Scholars, and events.

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Climate Solutions

From rising oceans to extreme weather, nature and people are feeling the impacts of climate change. Gund researchers are developing innovative solutions to reduce global warming and prepare for its impacts. Learn about Climate Solutions.

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Health and Well-being

The environment is critical to global health and well-being. Gund researchers are pioneering efforts to understand – and quantify – the causal links through which nature supports human health and well-being. Learn about Health and Well-Being.

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Sustainable Agriculture

How can we feed a global population of 9 billion on a finite planet? From major agricultural sites to subsistence farming, Gund scholars work to confront this monumental challenge while protecting the natural systems that agriculture requires. Learn about Sustainable Agriculture.

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Resilient Communities

From megacities to rural towns, human settlements are being transformed by climate change, migration, and growth. Gund research helps to create communities that are truly resilient and sustainable. Learn about Resilient Communities.

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Equity and Justice

Marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by environmental problems, yet frequently excluded from decisions that shape the world around them. Gund researchers are searching for environmental solutions to address inequities and injustices based on socio-demographic factors, including race, gender, and income. Learn about Equity and Justice.