The Center for the Environment is an interdisciplinary hub of environmental research that is committed to generating transformative solutions to our deepest societal challenges including: climate change, air pollution, access to clean water, food insecurity, biodiversity loss and infectious diseases.
By the numbers
112
Center scholars
21
Proposals/Grants supported
500+
Activity participants
181
Journal articles published
Jan-Oct 2024
The Center’s mission
The center serves as a cross-cutting collaboration hub, encouraging partners, faculty and students to advance research projects in areas including biodiversity, environmental justice, planetary health, environmental solutions, and climate change. Here’s a closer look at who we are, what we do, and why it matters for our community, our region and our world.
Featured research & stories
Environmental Research and Creativity Week planned
Washington University’s Center for the Environment, together with its partners, is gearing up for Environmental Research & Creativity Week, Feb. 24–28.
Researchers to develop energy-efficient process to convert waste gases into biofuel
Engineers at Washington University in St. Louis will be working to improve energy efficiency in production of that useful gas thanks to a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Nothin’ but pawpaws in the pawpaw patch
Pawpaw fruits — the largest native fruits in North America — have become popular among foragers and foodies alike, with their custard-like texture and a sweet flavor often described as a cross between a mango and a banana.
The WashU ecosystem
Within the WashU ecosystem of environmental research, education, and practice, the Center for the Environment serves as a connector. Much like a biodiversity corridor, we work to create space where our partners within the ecosystem and across distinct disciplines come together to address our world’s biggest environmental challenges.
In the news
An exhibition at the Kemper features artistic views of environmental balance
An exhibition at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum showcases people who use their artwork to call for a better balance between humans and the natural world.
WashU engineers make microwave-sized bird flu detector amid outbreak
Engineers at Washington University have built a sensor that can detect the presence of bird flu particles within minutes.
US science is under threat ― now scientists are fighting back
Researchers are organizing protests and making their voices heard as Trump officials slash funding and lay off federal scientists.
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