Skip to main content

Research Focus Areas

Connecting research efforts across Pitt's academic schools and centers will help produce a larger impact on Pitt's sustainability research constellation.

As outlined below, four research themes are currently in focus, with environmental and climate justice acting as a thread that weaves through them all—and helps guide each research thrust.

Research Themes displayed as chart

Access text version of research themes graphic

student tends to plants at Homewood Bioshelter and Aquaponics Oasis
Reclaiming Environmental Discourse and Media

A research cluster focused on creative, critical, curatorial, communicative and political dimensions of sustainability research and challenges.

solar panels on the Petersen Sports Complex building
Regenerative Solutions Respecting Planetary Boundaries

We recognize that our current models of consumption and production are unsustainable. We envision communities that thrive within planetary boundaries while developing and implementing solutions that provide equitable and just opportunities for all.

summer research participants clear invasive vegitation and plant native trees and shrubs
Resilient Ecological Systems

The Resilient Ecological Systems Initiative is an integrated, cross-cutting effort to coordinate student experience, connect people, and build an understanding of socio-ecological systems through research and education at the University of Pittsburgh.

undergrad chemistry student takes water samples from Monongahela River
Thriving Futures in the Face of Regional Change

Pittsburgh and the greater southwest Pennsylvania region are impacted by industry and energy extraction and are crucibles for reducing inequality. Strong translational research with community engagement will forge new advances that allow this region to become a model of thriving communities.