Institute for Energy and Environment
Securing the future of our planet through innovations that begin in Tennessee
STEWARDING TENNESSEE’S RESOURCES
UT Research uncovers sustainable ways to create value from the state’s natural and industrial resources while protecting the environment and enhancing communities.
FORGING CONNECTIONS TO STRENGTHEN OUR IMPACT
We draw on a variety of perspectives and multi-sectoral partnerships to solve real-world challenges.
BRINGING RESEARCH TO REAL LIFE
We work with communities and organizations to create solutions that make life and lives better.
RESEARCH AREAS
CIRCULAR BIOECONOMY
Renewable resources like switchgrass, poplar, and other crops power the circular bioeconomy. They help advance our decarbonization goals, sustain our rich ecosystems, replace the myriad of fossil-based products in widespread use today, and reduce the volume of waste being sent to landfills.
CLEAN ENERGY SYSTEMS
Energy is a driving force in modern society, but is too often a source of pollution that threatens life and lives. The development of next-generation clean energy systems will power communities across the state and around the world while mitigating threats associated with greenhouse gas emissions.
Engaged Communities
The solutions to complex problems often lie within the communities they impact. Community voices are critical in the identification of real-world challenges and in the development of solutions that preserve natural resources and sustain modern life.
SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
Natural ecosystems encompass not only an array of living organisms, but also the intricate tapestry of environments that support them. The stewardship of these ecosystems and the sustainability of life and resources within them necessitate the collaborative dedication and coordinated efforts of all.
SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE
The built environment—and the processes used to create it—impact the well-being of people and the natural environment. New approaches must be developed to reduce the environmental burden of infrastructure while also guiding the future design of structures, the planning of communities, and the delivery of essential services, including clean energy and water.
World-Class Faculty
IEE faculty represent all UT colleges. They come together to share their expertise, explore solutions to complex challenges, engage industry, government, community and other partners to solve complex problems, and prepare future generations of creators, innovators, and leaders.
The university is recruiting faculty who share a passion for working together to tackle grand challenges facing Tennessee and beyond as part of its Cluster Hire Initiatives. Visit the Cluster Hire Initiatives website to learn more.
Explore
UT Research
Discover the people, projects and ideas driving research and innovation across the University of Tennessee.
IEE News
-
Leading Researchers Join UT To Expand Impact and Innovation
UT is raising the bar in research excellence with the addition of eight exceptional researchers, three of whom are tackling pressing challenges related to energy and environment. Two of these preeminent faculty hires are advancing the circular bioeconomy. A new engineering professor’s work with materials and structures under extreme conditions has applications for nuclear energy.
-
UT, Partners Win up to $160M for NSF Regional Innovation Engine To Drive Rural Economic Development
The NSF has recognized the BRIDGES Engine, co-led by UT, as a winner of the nationwide Regional Innovation Engines competition. BRIDGES will receive up to $160 million over 10 years to strengthen the circular bioeconomy in the southeastern US, cultivate a lasting innovation ecosystem, and drive economic growth in rural Tennessee communities and beyond.
-
Monteith Named 2026 Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences
Andrew Monteith has been named a Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences—an early-career honor that recognizes promising scientists and supports bold, high-impact research. Monteith receives the honor for his research on heat in the form of fever and localized hot spots within the body.
