The Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies is confronting global environmental challenges through imaginative research that transcends disciplinary boundaries, hands-on education that bridges classrooms and communities, and public programs that foster environmental conversations among people from business, government, academia, and advocacy.
Training Tomorrow's Environmental Leaders
The Nelson Institute values and is committed to a liberal arts and professional education, built on the premise that complex environmental issues can best be understood through familiarity with diverse perspectives, and integration of the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Research That's Changing the World
Research drives the social and technological innovation needed to confront the challenges of a rapidly changing global environment. The Nelson Institute is a catalyst of imaginative research that combines skills and knowledge from the humanities, engineering, business, and law to the biological, physical, health, and social sciences.
Nelson News and Events
Latest News
How to: Design Sustainably with Natural Dyes
April 14, 2025How to Build Climate Courage
April 11, 2025Healers and Harbingers
April 10, 2025Trivia Category: Earth Fest Events
April 9, 2025The Sound of Science
April 8, 2025- Read More News
Upcoming Events
- April
- April 19
- April 20Nature Hike in the Wingra Oak SavannaArboretum1:00 PM, Meet at Arbor Dr parking lot (off Monroe St), UW–Madison Arboretum
- April 20Family Nature Program: Sprouting SeedsArboretum1:30 PM, Meet at Visitor Center, UW–Madison Arboretum
- April 21
- April 21
Support the Nelson Institute
The Nelson Institute welcomes and is grateful for various forms of support – discretionary funds for our many programs, internships and mentoring opportunities for students, and introductions to new networks that can help advance our reach and build partnerships around Wisconsin and the world.