Study here.
Change the world.
We’re confronting environmental challenges through transformative research, by bridging classrooms and communities, and forging partnerships locally and globally.
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 for a Better Future
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
A Comprehensive Look at Wisconsin’s Climate-Change Outlook
February 26, 2026
RISE-EARTH Lead and Headquarters Announced
February 18, 2026Guardian of the Green
November 4, 2025Science Hall: A History
October 9, 2025- Read More News
Upcoming Events
- March
- March 26Weston RoundtableEnabling Secure, Reliable and Affordable Energy Systems4:15 PM, 1163 Mechanical Engineering Building
- March 28Ecological Restoration Work PartyArboretum Wingra Woods9:00 AM, Meet at Wingra Springs parking lot (at top of hill on Arboretum Dr., NE of Arboretum Visitor Center)
- March 28Class: Phenology – Keeping Track of NatureArboretum1:00 PM, Meet at Visitor Center, UW–Madison Arboretum
- March 29
- April
- April 5
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.