Featured Research
UT Researchers Join Nearly $1 Million NSF Project to Build Smart Food Production Network in Knoxville
A new $995,319, four-year National Science Foundation project will bring University of Tennessee, Knoxville researchers together with a local nonprofit, Three3, and other community partners to develop DFARM, a smart, connected system that is designed to optimize the production and distribution of locally grown food.
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ISSE Seed Project Examines Local Impacts of AI Data Centers in Tennessee
A new $60,000 ISSE seed project will examine how the rapid growth of artificial intelligence data centers could affect communities across Tennessee by considering factors like energy demand, water use, noise, land use, and local property markets.
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New Flood Forecasting Seed Project Targets Gaps in Southern Appalachian Flood-Risk Information
When intense rainfall hits regions throughout Southern Appalachia, some of the communities most vulnerable to flash flooding have been discovered to be among the least represented in traditional flood-mapping tools.
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News & Updates
FEWSUS Expands Global Learning and Collaboration Around Food, Energy, and Water
Students and researchers with the University of Tennessee’s Food-Energy-Water for Sustainable Urban Systems initiative, or FEWSUS, are taking their work beyond the classroom through international study, collaborative research, and new educational programs.
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Appalachian Leadership Institute Connects Leaders Across 13-State Region
The Appalachian Leadership Institute is preparing for its next annual cohort after another successful year of leadership training, field visits, and cross-state collaboration across Appalachia.
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Our Centers & Programs
Appalachian Leadership Institute
The Appalachian Leadership Institute brings together emerging and established leaders from all 13 Appalachian states for an eight-month program focused on leadership, economic development, and regional collaboration. Fellows participate in sessions across Appalachia and build connections that support stronger communities and regional partnerships.
Community of Scholars for Resilient Agriculture & Forestry Systems
This interdisciplinary community brings together more than 40 faculty members working across agriculture, forestry, sustainability, and related fields. The initiative supports collaboration across disciplines and helps connect research focused on resilient food, land, and natural-resource systems.
DriveElectricTN
DriveElectricTN supports the expansion of electric transportation across Tennessee through education, outreach, partnerships, and initiatives that encourage electric-vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure development. The program works with fleets, communities, utilities, and other stakeholders to advance cleaner transportation options statewide.
Earth System Modeling Initiative
The Earth System Modeling Initiative connects researchers working in areas such as hydrology, climate, ecosystems, and environmental modeling. The initiative supports interdisciplinary research aimed at improving understanding of environmental change, Earth-system processes, and their impacts on communities and natural systems.
East Tennessee Clean Fuels
East Tennessee Clean Fuels works to advance cleaner transportation technologies, alternative fuels, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient mobility across the region. The program partners with fleets, communities, government agencies, and industry to reduce petroleum dependence and support more sustainable transportation systems.
FEWSUS
The Food-Energy-Water for Sustainable Urban Systems initiative connects researchers, students, and international partners around food, energy, water, and circular bioeconomy systems. FEWSUS supports research collaboration, coursework, workshops, international study, and other educational opportunities focused on sustainability across interconnected systems.
Tennessee Water Resources Research Center
The Tennessee Water Resources Research Center supports water research, technical assistance, training, and public education across Tennessee. The center works with communities, utilities, agencies, and researchers on issues including water quality, wastewater systems, stormwater, watershed management, and broader water-resource challenges.
Opportunities & Get Involved
Explore ways to connect with ISSE through funding, research, education, and partnership opportunities.
Seed Grants
Learn about ISSE funding opportunities that support interdisciplinary research and new collaborations.
Faculty, Students, & Partners
Explore fellowships, internships, collaboration opportunities, and other ways to get involved with ISSE..