Putting research and scholarship into action to support a just, prosperous, and sustainable world
The Institute for a Sustainable Earth (ISE) puts George Mason University’s research and scholarship into action for a more just, prosperous, and sustainable world. It is one of three university level institutes that serve as networking and catalyst organizations designed to connect diverse faculty, staff, and students across all academic units with each other and with local, national, and global partners. Together we work to build vibrant communities of impact-driven research, education and practice, and to catalyze transdisciplinary research of consequence.
The ISE community includes over 500 faculty and student researchers who conduct research in the natural sciences, social sciences, computational and data sciences, engineering, and humanities across all areas of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our work emphasizes the transdisciplinary focal points of the university’s new Grand Challenge Initiative.
ISE’s growing partnership network includes dozens of community-based organizations; local, Tribal, state, and regional governments; professional associations; research collectives; and international environmental organizations.
Programs
Faculty Initiatives
Grand Challenge Initiative
George Mason’s Grand Challenge Initiative (GCI) will drive solutions for a peaceful, healthy and prosperous future. The GCI is a comprehensive research framework, backed by an initial five-year, $15 million investment, to align university resources, faculty expertise, and educational programs around six interconnected solution areas addressing humanity’s ultimate grand challenge.
ISE News
Podcast – The modern grid: The intersection of energy and the environment
George Mason’s Virginia Climate Center releases first-ever statewide climate assessment
George Mason civil engineering students are helping local communities improve their flood resilience
2025 ISE Summer Sustainability Graduate Fellows: Partnering Grad Research Assistants (Fellows) with Organizations on the Front Lines of Sustainability Challenges
George Mason launches Grand Challenge Initiative to secure sustainable, prosperous future
Network Catalyst Teams Convene Diverse Stakeholders from Across Virginia in Workshops on Emergency Preparedness and Extreme Heat
Podcast – Ep 58: What will become of the Amazon?
A $6 million NSF grant will translate research into practice to help local communities become climate-resilient
