Problem solving
The Graham Institute addresses real-world sustainability problems through several mechanisms, including student programs, sustainability centers, and Integrated Assessment projects (IA). The IA Program objective is, “To carry out the Graham Institute’s mission of sustainability problem solving by using Integrated Assessment as a methodology for connecting academics, decision makers, and stakeholders.”
Click for Information Sheet (PDF)The Graham Institute uses the IA problem-solving approach to attack complex problems by analyzing environmental, social, and economic information. Through IA, the Graham Institute:
- Acts as a CHANGE AGENT by leveraging interdisciplinary faculty and student expertise, and
- ENGAGES decision makers and stakeholders outside of academia to affect change.
Integrated Assessment begins with a structured dialog among scientists and policy makers to establish a key policy question around which the assessment is to be developed. Researchers applying this methodology then gather and assess both natural and social science information to help policy makers answer that question.
The Graham Institutes identifies IA projects through a variety of mechanisms including input from its External Advisory Board and Executive Committee; input from faculty, stakeholders and decision makers; and by using project selection criteria.
Click here for a one-page information sheet about the IA Research Framework.
Please revisit this website regularly as we post Integrated Assessment research projects underway at U-M, as well as Research Reports for projects that have been completed.