Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability

M. Kandlikar, Director

The Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES) is recognized internationally for its integrated and collaborative approach to the analysis of linked human and natural systems, resource management, environmental policy, and sustainability. The Institute’s faculty and students draw on the natural, social, engineering and health sciences and the humanities to contribute to and build emerging fields in interdisciplinary research and learning. Research concentrations in IRES include, but are not limited to water resources, sustainability initiatives, human health and the environment, conservation and biodiversity, institutional design and sustainability governance, energy and the environment, integrated assessment, risk and disaster management and decision making at multiple scales.

Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Arts, and Master of Science

Resources, Environment and Sustainability (RES) offers M.A., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees. The academic program is flexible and, to a large extent, tailored to the educational goals of the candidate. A thesis proposal is required at the time of formal application to the program. The thesis proposal facilitates the selection of an appropriate supervisor, supervisory committee, and individual academic direction. The program draws on faculty members' expertise from across the University. The RES program's research activities address a range of topics related to fisheries management, environmental assessment and policy analysis, coastal zone management, agroforestry and agroecology, water resource and governance, hydrology and ecohydrology, energy, stakeholder negotiation, risk perception and assessment, institutions and governance, science and policy, and community development. The program’s aim is to integrate the socio-economic, cultural and political dimensions with biophysical (ecological) approaches to resources, ecosystems and environmental governance more broadly.

This program is housed in the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability. For more information, see also Resources, Environment and Sustainability.


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