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
Science Hall: A History
October 9, 2025
Energy Analysis and Policy Looks to Future, Celebrates Legacy
September 30, 2025Tracey Holloway Elected as an American Geophysical Union Fellow
September 24, 2025The Transdisciplinarian
September 15, 2025- Read More News
Upcoming Events
- November
- November 1Lakeshore Nature Preserve Volunteer OpportunityEcological Restoration Work Party9:00 AM, Meet at Frautschi Point parking lot, 2662 Lake Mendota Drive, Madison, 53705
- November 1Ecological Restoration Work PartyArboretum Wingra Oak Savanna9:00 AM, Meet at Arbor Dr parking lot (off Monroe St), UW–Madison Arboretum
- November 1
- November 2
- November 3
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.