The Center for the Environment is organized around four interconnected research themes and one foundational, cross-cutting theme. The most complex environmental challenges and the most exciting research needs are at the intersections of these themes.
Research themes
Addressing societal challenges
We are 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.
Summer Undergraduate Research
At WashU, undergraduate students have the opportunity to spend the summer conducting research alongside principal investigators, graduate students, and peers – working to address environmental challenges in an interdisciplinary cohort.
Research Facilities
WashU has a variety of available research facilities. Find out how they might support your work.
Featured research & stories
Converting CO2 to solid carbon yields benefits for batteries
Engineers at WashU are heavily in the business of “carbon conversion” with multiple projects working on systems to pull carbon dioxide in and put it to good use.
Home to 6,500 trees, WashU Arboretum earns rare status
The WashU Arboretum, home to some 6,500 trees across the Danforth Campus, recently received Level III accreditation by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program.
WashU pitches in to reduce health disparities in St. Louis
The university has partnered with the St. Louis Integrated Health Network to improve health in the local Black community.