Decarbonization Dialogues: Strategies, Insights & Aspirations for Research Excellence was a special fall symposium hosted by the Graham Sustainability Institute in collaboration with a diverse group of university co-sponsors. This event united the University of Michigan (U-M) research community to explore ways to enhance and advance collective decarbonization efforts.

The symposium featured key university leaders and distinguished researchers engaging in lively discussions on opportunities to strengthen U-M’s decarbonization research initiatives, drawing on experiences from both within and outside the university.

Participants provided direct input on key opportunities captured in visual murals, networked with colleagues and panelists, and explored tables showcasing the resources and support available to U-M’s decarbonization researchers.

Fireside Chat with Shalanda Baker

Research Community Insights Panel

The Research Community Insights Panel highlighted U-M’s evolving approach to decarbonization research, emphasizing key traits such as intentionality, systems thinking, equity, and alignment with societal needs.

The panel underscored the opportunity to build on areas where U-M is already making strong progress but has the potential to elevate its efforts to a leadership level. These include fostering deeper community engagement, amplifying social impact, advancing justice in technology deployment, and clearly defining and leveraging Michigan’s unique value proposition in decarbonization research.

Community Response Conversations

Following the formal program, participants transitioned to an informal setting to explore discussion prompts centered on (i) broader impacts and community engagement and (ii) the campus-as-lab (CAL) concept. Facilitated by campus leaders, these one-on-one and small group discussions fostered open idea-sharing, supplemented by sticky note contributions that were visually documented. The following summary captures the breadth of ideas shared during these sessions, reflecting diverse perspectives rather than a consensus among participants.

Have questions? Contact [email protected].

Since the 2020 launch of the Carbon Neutrality Acceleration Program (CNAP), the Graham Sustainability Institute has worked to strengthen decarbonization research efforts across U-M through direct faculty support and by connecting and amplifying other campus initiatives.

At the Graham Sustainability Institute, our dedication to academic excellence for the public good is inseparable from our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our mission of engaging, empowering, and supporting faculty, staff, and students to foster sustainability solutions includes ensuring that each member of our community thrives. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are key to empowerment, and the advancement of sustainability knowledge, learning, and leadership. See our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion page.