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
148
Center scholars
46
Proposals/Grants supported
1000+
Activity participants
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.
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Featured research & stories
Bursky Public Health faculty among world’s top 2% of scientists in 2026
52 primary and secondary faculty members are among the most-impactful researchers globally
Plant-inspired natural coatings can beat forever chemicals
Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) cause billions in damage to health and the environment. WashU researchers have developed a nontoxic alternative.
Derek Hoeferlin installed as Raymond E. Martiz Professor of Architecture
The Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis installed Derek Hoeferlin as the Raymond E. Maritz Professor of Architecture Sept. 29, 2026.
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
Electric stoves could help people with asthma breathe easier
Swapping polluting gas stoves for electric ones reduced asthma symptoms, a study finds
Halloween costumes have a spooky environmental impact. Swaps are a way to reduce waste and recycle
Every year, millions of costumes end up in a landfill after a single use, contributing to environmental pollution.
If humans went extinct, this is what would happen to life on Earth, according to scientists
Climate change is causing a mass extinction that may eliminate our species. But if we disappear could Mother Nature eventually recover?
