On Friday, May 8, conservation leader and Nelson Institute board member emerita Tia Nelson was recognized with an honorary doctorate at the UW–Madison spring 2026 commencement ceremony.
News
Rebecca Larson Receives Vilas Mid-Career Investigator Award
Rebecca Larson is among 18 faculty members to receive the Vilas Mid-Career Investigator Award, which recognizes excellence in research and teaching and provides three years of flexible research funding.
Holly Gibbs Elected to American Academy of Arts & Sciences
Holly Gibbs, the Gaylord A. Nelson Distinguished Chair in Integrated Environmental Studies and professor in the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, was one of five University of Wisconsin–Madison faculty members elected to the newest cohort of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.
Celebrate Earth Day with These Eight Free, Arts-Based Events
Looking for fun and free ways to celebrate Earth Day this year?
Celebrate Earth Day with These Nine Family Friendly Events
Looking for fun, free, family friendly ways to celebrate Earth Day in Madison this year?
Meet Computer Sciences: Our Home Away from Home
The Nelson Institute is going on the road — and we’re taking you with us!
Tia Nelson to be awarded honorary degree from UW–Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison will award an honorary doctor of science degree to Tia Nelson, a globally recognized advocate for environmental stewardship and sustainability, at its spring commencement ceremony.
A Comprehensive Look at Wisconsin’s Climate-Change Outlook
The Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI), a nationally recognized collaboration of scientists and stakeholders working together to help Wisconsin policymakers and citizens understand the impacts of climate change, has released an assessment report that outlines the latest climate impacts and solutions.
RISE-EARTH Lead and Headquarters Announced
Chris Kucharik, professor of plant and agroecosystem sciences and investigator with the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and the Wisconsin Energy Institute (WEI), has been chosen to lead the RISE-EARTH Collaboration Headquarters (HQ).
Nelson Institute Researchers to Explore Sustainable Development of Data Centers with QTS Partnership
On Friday, November 14, the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies announced a research partnership with QTS Data Centers (QTS).
Guardian of the Green
From a young age, Aryn Swann knew she wanted to save the world.
Science Hall: A History
Science Hall is a building that bares its soul, says Daniel Einstein, historic and cultural resources manager at UW–Madison and graduate of the Nelson Institute.
Leading Experts Explore Climate Solutions and Resilience at UW–Madison Symposium
Community members are invited to join local and national experts at UW–Madison’s 2025 Climate Change Symposium on Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Union South’s Marquee Cinema.
Energy Analysis and Policy Looks to Future, Celebrates Legacy
What’s in a name? At the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, it’s a powerful way to honor the past and inspire the future.
Tracey Holloway Elected as an American Geophysical Union Fellow
Holloway joins the 2025 AGU Class of Fellows, a distinguished group recognized for their exceptional contributions to Earth and space sciences.
The Transdisciplinarian
It would be easy enough to say that Alberto Vargas is an interdisciplinary scholar, teacher, and mentor.
The Gateway Bug
When it’s Valerie Stull’s turn to send snack to her preschooler’s school or gathering, she doesn’t send cookies or string cheese.
Every Pixel Tells a Story
Amintas Brandão Jr. started mapping roads in the Amazon as an intern.
At the Corner of Academia and Government
In Boston’s East Fenway neighborhood, a stretch of pavement in front of Whole Foods comes alive.
Nelson Institute Announces 2025 Alumni Award Winners
Nearly 8,000 Nelson Institute alumni work in government, business, and nonprofit organizations, applying their knowledge and skills to make the world a better and more sustainable place.
Earth Fest Gets the Gold
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) awarded UW–Madison’s Earth Fest a 2025 CASE Circle of Excellence Award.
Sparking the Next Generation of Scientists
Michael Notaro, director of the Nelson Institute’s Center for Climatic Research (CCR), is passionate about more than just cutting-edge climate science research — he’s deeply committed to educating and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Earth Fest in Focus: Scenes from UW–Madison’s Environmental Celebration
Where can you learn about DIY clothing dyes, sustainable chickpea farming, and insect pets — and find inspiration from live theatre, original music, and ephemeral wildflowers?
Poetry, Places, and Partnerships
Sarli E. Mercado is a literary critic, author, and teaching professor at UW–Madison studying the life and work of contemporary Latin American poets.
Spring Symposium
We are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of our recent event, which demonstrated an impressive turnout and diverse participation.