Since the formation of the Sustainability Institute at Ohio State in 2019, a vision and strategic initiatives have been developed for the Healthy Air, Land and Water (HALW) research program area. With well over 150 researchers at Ohio State performing active research in related fields, the competency and expertise at the university is truly impressive. The vision of this program area of SI is to ensure that healthy air, land and water is available to all through Ohio State-led research.
Specifically, it seeks to advance research that improves water resources in productive landscapes, mitigates environmental risks in built systems and strengthens the health and resilience of ecosystems. We have identified the following research priority areas: coastal eutrophication, sustainable agriculture, the microbiome, emerging contaminants, sustainable infrastructure, and climate change.
An important goal of SI and for the HALW program area is to support the success of Ohio State researchers. We identified initiatives related to resources and community-building necessary to develop and sustain multidisciplinary teams in HALW areas.
Therefore, we have identified four initiatives to initially focus our effort:
- Cultivate and coordinate innovative research. This effort will catalyze and support interdisciplinary research teams that identify and mitigate risks and create innovations that enhance HALW systems.
- Build financial resources and university-industry partnerships. Here we aim to facilitate team development that will successfully compete for funding opportunities.
- Promote internal inclusivity and community. We need you to help us achieve this initiative by networking with us to create a collaborative community of practice.
- Increase external awareness and reputation. Here we are working on ways to raise the visibility of HALW discovery and innovation by leveraging and improving communication.
To support these initiatives, we will pursue the following initial actions that will benefit from your engagement.
- An RFP for SI seed grants. Building on the SI seed grant program in spring 2020, these grants will provide funds for interdisciplinary teams pursuing new research ideas related to HALW as well as other SI program areas. Consider submitting a proposal!
- We are curating seminars in the HALW area across campus and posting them at https://si.osu.edu/HALWseminars. This listing is far from complete. Please help us develop this resource so it is easier for HALW researchers to find relevant seminars across campus. Share upcoming events with Gina Langen at langen.2@osu.edu.
- Finally, we will host a monthly “Flow and Terroir” to discuss HALW topics from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month. We want to engage with all HALW-related researchers and hope that you can join us! To attend, contact Kathy Jackson at Jackson.2942@osu.edu to RSVP and get the Zoom link.
Nov. 5: Discussion of upcoming grant opportunities
We will focus on two NSF calls (Dynamics of Integrated Socio-Environmental Systems and Frontier Research in Earth Sciences) due in 2021, but we welcome discussion of other opportunities. We plan to review the RFPs and discuss potential team formation.
Dec. 3: Discussion of "Water@OhioState"
This will highlight current efforts to connect Ohio State water researchers and seek your ideas on ways to improve collaboration.
Feb. 2: Developing campus analytical and laboratory collaborations
Thank you.
Linda Weavers, civil, environmental and geodetic engineering, and Jay Martin, food, agricultural and biological engineering
Sustainability Institute Healthy Air, Land and Water Program co-leads and Faculty Advisory Board members