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Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy

The mission of the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy is to advance global sustainability and energy solutions through transformational research, interdisciplinary education, and public engagement.

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Linda Broadbelt

Seeking Sustainable Solutions

December 14, 2023
from McCormick Engineering News
Addressing the global plastic crisis is the focus of research for Northwestern's Linda Broadbelt, who works to capture value from and improve recyclability of existing plastics

About the Trienens Institute

Collaboration across disciplines and organizations for a sustainable future.

We ask questions that lead to new insights and discoveries.

Discover a diverse range of groundbreaking research initiatives centered in the Trienens Institute, stemming from cutting-edge team science across disciplines. Engage with leading scholars and explore innovative projects that address complex societal issues and push the boundaries of knowledge. 

Research Profiles
What's in Your Water? The Health Impacts of Plastic Pollution

Meet Our Faculty
Meet our diverse faculty who approach complex local and global sustainability and energy challenges with interdisciplinary insights.

Research Spotlight
The Tobin Marks Group partners with GIANTFab Lab for various projects enhancing solar cell production.

Empowering minds for a sustainable future.

Students prepare to be future leaders through coursework and experiential opportunities in sustainability and energy at Northwestern University. The Trienens Institute collaborates across academic departments and with industry to administer an Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainability and Energy plus a Master’s of Science in Energy and Sustainability. Additional programs include study abroad and research initiatives. Students engage with renowned faculty from across the University and industry to learn how to make a meaningful impact on society's most pressing challenges.

Student Profile
Northwestern senior discusses the Trienens Institute certificate experience.

Study Abroad Spotlight
Trek to Germany opens eyes of engineering students.

Collaboration is vital to the mission of the Trienens Institute.

Innovative teams bring their unique strengths together to produce transformational research and education initiatives. Alumni play a key role in carrying this mission into the world and giving back to support the next generation. Explore how we foster meaningful partnerships with organizations and individuals to address complex challenges and create lasting positive change in the world.

Annual Symposium
Insights from the 2022 Trienens Institute annual symposium.

Alumni Profile
Meet Yuxi Suo (TGS '18), former graduate student in Earth and Planetary Sciences at Northwestern.

Stay Up to Date

Upcoming Events

Jan
16
2024

MSE Colloquium Series: DOW Lecture Speaker LaShanda Korley

4:00 PM Technological Institute, 2145 Sheridan Road
MSE 2024 Colloquium Series DOW Lecture "Innovating across the life cycle of macromolecular materials" Prof. LaShanda Kor...
Jan
19
2024

Center for Catalysis and Surface Science Student Seminar Series

12:00 PM Ryan Hall, 2190 Campus Drive
Center for Catalysis and Surface Science (CCSS) Student Seminar Series Friday, January 19, 2023 | 12-1pm CT Ryan Hall, 4...
Jan
31
2024

Webinar Info Session: Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability (MSES)

9:00 AM
You are cordially invited to attend an upcoming online information session for Northwestern University's Paula M. Triene...

Featured Event

COP28 logo

COP28 Event: "If climate change is a shark, water is its teeth: How water insecurity data can mobilize action"

As part of Northwestern's participation in COP28, Professor Sera Young led a conversation on water insecurity data and climate action at the IUCN Pavilion | View event recording