| Overall Rating | Platinum |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 86.87 |
| Liaison | Carrie Metzgar |
| Submission Date | Nov. 5, 2024 |
University of California, San Diego
AC-10: Support for Sustainability Research
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Carrie
Metzgar Campus Sustainability Officer Utilities & Sustainability |
Student sustainability research incentives
A brief description of the student sustainability research program:
BONNIE REISS CLIMATE ACTION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
The UC President’s Bonnie Reiss Climate Action Fellowship Program funds student-generated projects that support the UC system’s climate action goals. All 10 UC campuses, five academic health centers, plus the UC Office of the President, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory participate in the program. The program, which began in 2015, is open to both undergraduate and graduate students, and administered at each location to ensure that student efforts align with local needs.
The fellowship program is funded by the UC President’s Global Climate Leadership Council (GCLC) in support of the President’s Leading on Climate priorities, as follows:
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Shaping the university’s climate action programs and supporting the university’s aggressive goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while creating a more equitable, sustainable, resilient and healthy world
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Conducting projects that support sustainable agricultural practices and helping campuses and health systems work toward President Drake’s goal of “defining the actions and resources needed to procure at least 25 percent of our own food supplies from sustainable sources by 2025, five years ahead of the university’s existing goal.”
Leading on Climate Fellows receive an annual stipend of $5,000, are offered leadership training, and networking opportunities. During the 2024-2025 academic year, UC San Diego proudly works with six Leading on Climate Fellows. Three fellows focus on climate action research projects under the guidance of UC San Diego Utilities & Sustainability. Research projects focus on campus decarbonization, climate resilience, and student engagement. An additional three fellows focus on sustainable agriculture and food research projects under the guidance of Dr. Amy Lerner, faculty member in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning. Research projects focus on food sustainability and health equity, sustainable and equitable food systems, and sustainable procurement.
For more information about the Leading on Climate Fellowship, please visit:
DEEP DECARBONIZATION INITIATIVE SUMMER FELLOWS PROGRAM
The Deep Decarbonization Initiative Summer Fellows program supports students in conducting high-caliber summer internships related to research on decarbonization at the intersection of science, technology, and policy. The program, which has been in place for several years, provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of decarbonization and contribute to cutting-edge research projects.
Each year, the program funds approximately two students, with awards ranging from partial to full support, evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The program is administered by the Deep Decarbonization Initiative, which aims to support research and policy efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy. The initiative recognizes the importance of engaging students in decarbonization research and providing them with opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge in this critical field.
The most recent Summer Fellows interned at the Center for Community Energy, a non-governmental organization based in Solana Beach, which aims to bring San Diego's carbon emissions down to net zero and implement sustainable energy policies in the county. The fellows worked closely with the organization to develop policy and regulatory suggestions in the energy sector and engage with the community to promote sustainable energy practices.
For more information about the Deep Decarbonization Initiative Summer Fellows program, please visit: https://deepdecarbon.ucsd.edu/student-support/index.html
CLIMATE JUSTICE/ACTION/RESILIENCE SCHOLARS (CJARS) PROGRAM
The Climate Justice/Action/Resilience Scholars (CJARS) Program is a unique, ongoing interdisciplinary course series that brings together students from all disciplines and backgrounds to explore the intersections of climate change, justice, equity, health, and wellbeing. The 2-quarter, 12-unit program is offered through the Social Sciences Division and is cross-listed in the Urban Studies & Planning and Anthropology Departments at UC San Diego.
The CJARS Program is designed for students who are passionate about hands-on, collaborative, community-based learning, research, and action. The program is led by Dr. Leslie R. Lewis, a faculty member in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning with expertise in anthropology and public health. Through a combination of place-based, experiential, and traditional classroom-based learning methods, students will engage with local communities and organizations to develop a deeper understanding of the climate crisis and its impacts on marginalized populations.
Selected students participate in a transformative learning experience that combines academic rigor with community engagement and action. Through the CJARS Program, students develop a deeper understanding of the climate crisis and its impacts on local communities, as well as the skills and knowledge needed to become effective climate justice leaders.
Past projects have included research on climate impacts and interconnections and community climate resilience mapping.
For more information about the CJARS Program, please visit: https://ucsdclimatejusticescholars.weebly.com
CLINTON GLOBAL INITIATIVE UNIVERSITY (CGI U) PROGRAM
The Clinton Global Initiative University program is a year-round initiative that empowers the next generation of leaders and social entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions to the world's most pressing challenges. Through its Commitment to Action model, CGI U challenges young leaders and entrepreneurs to become agents of positive social change in five focus areas: education, environment and climate change, peace and human rights, poverty alleviation, and public health. UC San Diego has been a Clinton Global Initiative University since 2018, working with over a hundred students since its establishment.
Throughout the program, students are provided several areas of support to support in the development, testing, and implementation of their research projects, including:
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Participation in small group discussions with peers and experts in the field
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Completion of online coursework and exercises, including review of CGI U's webinar recordings and readings
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One-on-one coaching sessions with a Commitment Mentor to provide guidance and support
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Completion of a Commitment to Action progress report to track progress and impact
Past research projects have focused on sustainability topics, including: community gardens at local high schools, solar-powered lighting in the Philippines, water filtration systems in Kenya, and environmental education in underserved California public schools about reusable plastics. View past projects here: https://getinvolved.ucsd.edu/service/ongoing/cgiu/cgi_u.html
For more information about the CGI U program, please visit: https://getinvolved.ucsd.edu/service/ongoing/cgiu/index.html
GLOBAL CHANGEMAKER SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The Global Changemaker Scholars Program is a unique initiative designed to empower undergraduate student changemakers to address some of the world's most pressing challenges, as outlined in the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges. The program is designed to help students develop a range of skills, including project-based learning and research, interdisciplinary collaboration, global context, social responsibility, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, leadership, and integrity and professionalism.
Through the program, students will work on a Global Changemaker Commitment project, either individually or in a small team, that focuses on one or more of the SDGs or Grand Challenges. They will also complete a Global Changemaker Capstone paper and presentation, which will demonstrate their ideas for advancing progress on their selected SDG or Grand Challenge. These assignments will be completed under the guidance of a Mentor, a UC San Diego academic or research professional whose work aligns with the student's selected SDG or Grand Challenge.
View past research projects by alumni scholars here: https://gcsp.ucsd.edu/who/index.html#Alumni-Scholars
For more information about the Global Changemakers Scholars Program, please visit: https://gcsp.ucsd.edu/
Faculty sustainability research incentives
A brief description of the faculty sustainability research program:
CA CARES (CLIMATE ACTION, RESILIENCE, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY) GRANT PROGRAM
The CA CARES (Climate Action, Resilience, and Environmental Sustainability) Grant Program, sponsored by the University of California's Office of the President and the Governor's Office of the State of California, is a pioneering initiative that accelerates innovative technologies to market, aligning with California's Climate Adaptation Strategy. The program is entering its second year and empowers climate-vulnerable communities, fortifies public health, cultivates a resilient economy, and harnesses nature-based solutions.
The CA CARES Grant Program offers a unique opportunity for UC San Diego faculty to submit their pioneering projects that need funding to translate scientific discoveries into practical climate adaptation solutions for the market. The program is designed to support faculty-led research projects that have the potential to make a tangible impact on climate action.
Incentives include:
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Grants of up to $50,000 per project
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Funding for use during the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year
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Opportunities for collaboration with California agencies, industries, and communities
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Support from the Office of Innovation and Commercialization
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Potential for connection with the StartBlue Accelerator, an inclusive track for students, faculty, and regional community members
Past funded research projects include: addressing climate trauma in climate vulnerable communities, using smart technologies to deliver cost-effective energy conservation, and development of an interactive dashboard for carbon footprint tracing for UC San Diego.
For more information about the CA CARES Grant Program, please visit: https://innovation.ucsd.edu/about-oic/ca-cares-funds/index.html
DEEP DECARBONIZATION INITIATIVE
The Deep Decarbonization Initiative at UC San Diego is a pioneering research program that aims to help understand and guide the global economy as it moves toward net-zero carbon emissions. The initiative is committed to accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
The Deep Decarbonization Initiative pursues research from the combined perspectives of the social sciences, engineering, and the physical and biological sciences. The initiative is focused on understanding how policymakers and investors can shift from existing to new energy systems, and how such shifts can be accelerated to meet the needs of humanity while reducing global carbon emissions.
What sets the Deep Decarbonization Initiative apart is its interdisciplinary approach, which embeds the study of modern societies, economics, politics, and social organization within technical research. The initiative takes a holistic approach to addressing the challenges of climate change and deep decarbonization, recognizing that policies must be designed and analyzed with an eye to how they can be implemented in the reality of actual governments and economies.
Research incentives include:
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Opportunities for collaboration with faculty and researchers from across UC San Diego
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Support for interdisciplinary research projects that address the grand challenges of energy system transformation
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Access to a faculty seminar series that fosters cross-campus, interdisciplinary collaboration
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Opportunities for professional development and networking with energy industry officials, elected officials, and other policymakers
The Deep Decarbonization Initiative has supported research projects in the past in areas such as: getting to zero emissions in the transportation sector, developing new energy storage technologies, improving energy efficiency in buildings and industry, and designing and implementing effective climate policies.
For more information about the Deep Decarbonization Initiative, please visit: https://deepdecarbon.ucsd.edu/policy-and-tech/index.html
TEACHING + LEARNING COMMONS COMMUNITY ENGAGED LEARNING CHANGEMAKER FACULTY FELLOWSHIP
Please note this program was also included in AC-7 Incentives for Developing Courses. This program offers incentives for the development of sustainability courses as well as conducting sustainability research.
The Teaching and Learning Commons Changemaker Faculty Fellows Program in Community Engaged Learning is an ongoing faculty development program that provides an opportunity for selected faculty members to integrate community engaged learning (CEL) into their teaching, research, and public service. The program is designed to support faculty who are committed to building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world through intentional activity that seeks to address social and environmental challenges. UC San Diego faculty members from any academic discipline are eligible to apply.
Goals of the fellowship program:
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Develop a faculty learning community to support teaching innovation, networking, and leadership toward strengthening and expanding UC San Diego's community engaged learning efforts
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Provide funding support for faculty who are interested in developing undergraduate courses that focus on community engaged learning
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Increase familiarity and exposure to CEL theory, course design and instruction, and current CEL research
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Explore evaluation and assessment strategies for measuring CEL's impact on students, faculty, and community members
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Develop and implement a CEL-related project that merges community engagement with academic coursework and/or student-supported research
Fellowship incentives include:
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Up to $10,000 faculty development award to support CEL academic course or research project
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Opportunity to be recognized as a campus leader in CEL pedagogy
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Participation in a faculty learning community to support teaching innovation, networking, and leadership
For more information about the Teaching + Learning Commons Community Engaged Learning Changemaker Faculty Fellowship, please visit: https://engagedteaching.ucsd.edu/changemaker-fellows/community-engaged-learning/index.html
STRATEGIC PLAN REFRESHED RESEARCH THEMES: CONVENE AND INFLUENCE AWARDS
The University of California, San Diego's Office of Research and Innovation has unveiled six refreshed research themes that will guide and grow campus-wide research for the next decade. These themes are designed to enhance the university's research and discovery impact and foster ever-greater interdisciplinary innovation. Learn more about the research themes here: https://today.ucsd.edu/story/uc-san-diegos-strategic-plan-revitalization-unveils-refreshed-research-themes-and-strategies
Two of the research themes are sustainability-focused and include:
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Conserving the planet and exploring the universe
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Understand the evolving causes and impacts of climate change
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Develop solutions that improve environmental conditions to sustain our world and enhance environmental justice
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Better understand the larger universe
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Understanding cultures and addressing disparities in society
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Improve our understanding of diverse cultures, perspectives, and belief systems
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Examine how organizing structures, policies, and practices contribute to historical and current inequalities
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Facilitate collaborative approaches and respectful engagement to tackle societal problems
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Amplify the voices of marginalized populations
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To support these research themes, the university will provide several key initiatives, including the Convene and Influence Awards. These are small grants awarded to support faculty grassroots convenings aimed at advancing thought leadership on the themes. Planned and led by interdisciplinary teams, these research efforts must produce a dissemination product, such as a white paper or policy brief. The Request for Applications is available at: https://ucsd.infoready4.com/#freeformCompetitionDetail/1951851
Recognition of interdisciplinary, transdisciplnary and multi-disciplinary research
A copy of the promotion or tenure guidelines or policies:
The promotion or tenure guidelines or policies:
Organized Research Units (ORU’s) exist at UC San Diego to promote multidisciplinary/ interdisciplinary research and are intended to provide a supportive infrastructure for interdisciplinary research complementary to UC San Diego’s academic goals.
Prior to their establishment, ORU’s must go through a structured review process that includes a supporting recommendation from the Academic Senate. Each ORU is headed by a tenured faculty director and receives financial support and space from the campus to enable it to function. Professional researchers and technical staff can hold their appointments within the ORU, which then serves as their home academic unit. Other units on campus, of a less formal character, may designate themselves as a center or a project, but they are not ORU’s unless they have been officially approved as such.
A list of sustainability-related ORUs at UC San Diego:
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Center for Astrophysics and Space Sciences (https://cass.ucsd.edu/index.php/Main_Page)
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Center for Comparative Immigration Studies (https://ccis.ucsd.edu/)
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Center for Energy Research (https://cer.ucsd.edu/)
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Center on Global Justice (https://cgjustice.ucsd.edu/about/)
For more information about the Organized Research Units at UC San Diego, please visit: https://research.ucsd.edu/ORU/index.html
Library support
A brief description of the institution’s library support for sustainability research:
UC SAN DIEGO LIBRARY SUPPORT FOR SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH
The UC San Diego Library plays a critical role in advancing and supporting the university's research, including sustainability research. The Library provides access to a vast array of digital and print resources, including over 7 million volumes, journals, and multimedia materials.
The Library offers a range of research guides that support sustainability research, including:
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Environmental Policy: A comprehensive guide to resources related to environmental policy, including journal articles, books, and government reports. View more here: https://ucsd.libguides.com/environmentalpolicy
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MGT 119: Sustainability: A course guide that supports research in sustainability, including resources on sustainable business practices, urban planning and development, and environmental policy. View more here: https://ucsd.libguides.com/MGT119sustainability
The Library has subject librarians who are available for research consultations and can provide expert guidance on sustainability research topics. They can help with:
- Developing research strategies
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Identifying relevant resources
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Evaluating sources
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Organizing and citing sources
The Library provides access to the JSTOR Sustainability collection, which looks at sustainability and resilience through a broad lens, spanning more than 30 disciplines. This collection includes over 100 journals from over 20 disciplines and over 5,000 research reports, including policy briefs, technical papers, white papers, and discussion papers. View more here: https://www.jstor.org/site/ucsd/
The Library is also committed to supporting sustainability research and has developed a range of outreach projects to support researchers in this area. These projects include online guides, research consultations, and workshops.
For more information about how the UC San Diego Library supports sustainability research, please visit: https://library.ucsd.edu/
Optional Fields
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Points of contact for credit information:
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Carrie Metzgar, Campus Sustainability Officer, Utilities & Sustainability
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Christina Mayberry, Engineering Librarian, UC San Diego Library
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Kim Kane, Library Assistant, UC San Diego Library
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.