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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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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.

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Upcoming Events

Dec
3
2024

Exhibition: Fabric of the Earth, works by by Bryana Bibbs, Bonnie Peterson, Daliah Silver, Katie Vota

10:00 AM Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive
On view November 7 - December 2, 2024 Fabric of the Earth features a collection of fiber-based works that convey the urg...
Jan
17
2025

CCSS Seminar Series

12:00 PM Ryan Hall, 2190 Campus Drive
Center for Catalysis and Surface Science (CCSS) Student Seminar Series Friday, January 17, 2025 | 12-1pm CT Ryan Hall, 4...
Feb
7
2025

CCSS Seminar Series

12:00 PM Ryan Hall, 2190 Campus Drive
Center for Catalysis and Surface Science (CCSS) Seminar Series Friday, February 7, 2025 | 12-1pm CT Ryan Hall, 4003 | 21...

Featured Event

Northwestern and University of Hamburg arial campus shots

Northwestern-Hamburg Exchange Program | Info Session

November 13, 2024

Are you a graduate student with a demonstrated interest in decarbonization, sustainability, or climate change research? Join an info session to learn more about the Northwestern-Hamburg Exchange Program | Register