Indiana University

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Monday, May 24, 2010

Last modified: Monday, May 24, 2010

Sustainability research development grant recipients announced for 2010-11

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2010

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Four Indiana University research projects -- examining topics that include agroforestry in southern Mexico, the impact on community sustainability of Home Depot's product donation program with Gifts In Kind International, remediation of exotic invasive species in Dunn's Woods and food waste at IU -- have been awarded Sustainability Research Development Grants for the 2010-11 academic year.

The grant program, jointly sponsored by the University Graduate School, College of Arts & Sciences, School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Center for Research on Energy & the Environment and Indiana University Office of Sustainability, provides opportunities for faculty members and students to develop externally funded research related to environmental sustainability.

"The projects selected have the potential to make important contributions to our sustainability efforts here at IU as well as abroad," said James Wimbush, dean of the University Graduate School. "The funded proposals apply an innovative collection of interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability analysis and demonstrate how collaborations among campus units can generate opportunities for doctoral students and faculty to solve critical real-time problems while also advancing science. The University Graduate School is thrilled to play a major role in supporting this initiative."

The grant program grew out of a pilot initiative developed during the 2008-09 academic year as a collaboration between the IU Task Force on Sustainability and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs and is consistent with environmental science and sustainability research priorities developed by IU President Michael A. McRobbie. Last year's program resulted in the funding of five interdisciplinary faculty-graduate student research projects focusing on topics that include forest management in the U.S., land use patterns in Brazil and Honduras and student transportation choices in Bloomington (https://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/10010.html).

"One key to sustainability is developing a better understanding of the interrelated economic, social and environmental systems upon which we depend," said Bill Brown, IU director of sustainability. "These four research initiatives will tap into our wealth of campus intellectual resources to enhance our knowledge of these critical systems. I am particularly pleased with the proposals that use our own campus as a lab for sustainability research -- providing opportunities to unite research, teaching and operations for maximum impact."

Projects and researchers selected for the 2010-11 academic year awards include:

Each project will receive $10,000 that can be used for graduate fellowships, faculty research fund awards or summer faculty fellowships. Under Sustainability Research Development Grant guidelines, recipients are expected to develop new, collaborative lines of research that have the potential to grow into externally funded research projects.

Applications for the grant were submitted in April and were reviewed by a faculty committee. Proposals were rated on the basis of originality, relevance to sustainability programs, research need, timeliness, feasibility, potential impact, coherence, and potential for attracting external funding.


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