{"id":347,"date":"2023-01-13T12:30:55","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T17:30:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research-multi-dev.utk.edu\/energy-dev\/?page_id=347"},"modified":"2026-04-21T10:41:48","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T14:41:48","slug":"research-areas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/iee\/research-areas\/","title":{"rendered":"Research Areas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Research Areas<\/h1>\n\n\n

The barriers to ensuring a healthy, thriving future for people and the planet are complex<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT researchers and scholars are developing new technologies, understanding, and know-how to drive innovation and create a sustainable future for all living things. Together we tackle energy and environmental challenges across five key areas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"A<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Circular Bioeconomy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Transforming linear models of production and consumption and promoting the efficient use of natural resources<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Circular Bioeconomy at UT<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"A<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Clean Energy Systems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
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Developing clean, affordable energy systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and drive growth in the green economy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Clean Energy Systems at UT<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Two<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Engaged Communities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
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Understanding the needs and amplifying the voices of communities in shaping a sustainable clean-energy future<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Engaged Communities at UT<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"A<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Sustainable Environment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
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Restoring and preserving the planet\u2019s biodiversity and natural resources while helping our communities connect with nature<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sustainable Environment at UT<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"John<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Sustainable Infrastructure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Optimizing sustainability and resilience in the design, construction, and operation of the built environment<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sustainable Infrastructure at UT<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Marshall<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>
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\u201cHow does UT measure the impact of our research?  We think in terms of how many people, how many faculty, students and community members we engage to tackle these grand challenges. We track how our discoveries inform the development of new technologies, products, services and public policy that make life and lives better here in Tennessee and around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2014Brad Day, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Initiatives<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The barriers to ensuring a healthy, thriving future for people and the planet are complex UT researchers and scholars are developing new technologies, understanding, and know-how to drive innovation and create a sustainable future for all living things. 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