UB researchers are tackling major issues related to energy, water and the environment

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UB researchers are tackling major issues related to energy, water and the environment

Investigating how latent pesticides affect public health. Creating window coatings that reduce buildings' heating and cooling costs. Developing policies to promote land conservation. Examining what incentives prompt people to buy hybrid cars.

These seemingly disparate activities are not disparate at all - in fact, they reflect a commitment to comprehensive environmental research at RENEW, the University at Buffalo's new interdisciplinary research initiative.

RENEW (Research and Education in eNergy, Environment and Water)promises to tackle the most difficult and pressing issues that society faces in trying to create a more sustainable world.

The institute will engage more than 100 faculty members from across six university schools and colleges. They specialize in fields like environmental engineering, chemistry, geology, law, architecture, community health and sustainable business practices.

UB has dedicated up to $15 million over the next five years, with a goal to hire 20 new faculty members who have expertise in aquatic ecology, pollution law, renewable energy, behavioral economics, environmental planning, community health and other areas. UB will also create new academic programs and hire a world-class scholar and researcher to direct the institute. A search for the director is underway.

RENEW is the model for UB's "Communities of Excellence" initiative - under the UB 2020 strategic plan - which brings together researchers from across the university to address society's toughest challenges and carry out transformative educational, research, creative and community engagement activities.

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