Can Biochar Help Remove Microplastics from Soil?
Can Biochar Help Remove Microplastics from Soil?
On a former dumping ground in St. Paul, University of Minnesota researchers and youth interns are testing a new way to tackle a growing problem: microplastics in urban soil. Using biochar – a charcoal-like material – they’re exploring whether it can trap plastic particles while improving soil health. Early results suggest the approach could help reduce pollution in urban environments.
Two Eyes, Many Strands: ‘Inclusive science’ in a changing climate
Two Eyes, Many Strands: ‘Inclusive science’ in a changing climate
How science can better reflect relational, community-rooted ways of knowing.
Inclusive science is not just about changing the faces in the room, it requires a world where many ways of knowing can coexist.
Systems Thinking in Sustainability
Mapping Fruit Trees, Learning From Community Forestry
Working with local partners, researchers are mapping fruit trees to better understand their value in food systems and land-use decisions.
Recognizing Wildlife’s Contributions to People
Wildlife support ecosystems, culture and human well-being in ways that are often missed in how we measure and manage natural resources.
Tracing the Hidden Impacts of Our Food
Researchers developed a model to trace food supply chains end-to-end, helping organizations measure their carbon footprints.
IonE Wants to Know: Which species are the most Minnesotan?
IonE Wants to Know: Which species are the most Minnesotan?
What makes a species iconic? IonE postdoctoral fellows are exploring how Minnesotans connect with the plants and animals that define the state – and how those connections can help shape conservation efforts.
Spotlight on Recent Interdisciplinary Research
Recent research from the IonE community and partners explores tools and insights to support decision-making across sustainability challenges – from food systems to climate adaptation and mitigation.
Revealing the ‘Carbon Hoofprint’ of Meat Consumption for U.S. Cities
In this University of Minnesota News & Events research brief, researchers used the FoodS³ platform to map the “carbon hoofprint” of meat consumption across U.S. cities. The findings reveal opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across food systems.
Annual Sustainability Symposium Showcases Student Work and Collaboration across UMN
Annual Sustainability Symposium Showcases Student Work and Collaboration across UMN
Fourteen years after it began, the event continues to evolve
At the annual Sustainability Symposium, students share research, creative work and ideas. This student-driven event creates space to connect and build community while strengthening how participants communicate their work.
The Latest News from IonE
2026 Impact Goal Projects Advance Sustainability Across Minnesota
Each year, the Institute on the Environment funds projects that advance sustainability in Minnesota. Since 2019, IonE has invested $7 million in Impact Goal projects. This year, the Impact Goals grantmaking program is supporting 10 outcomes-driven projects across the University of Minnesota system, totaling $1.5 million in funding.
Stewardship of Minnesota’s water and land emerged as a central theme among this year’s research teams.
Each year, the Institute on the Environment funds projects that advance sustainability in Minnesota. Since 2019, IonE has invested $7 million in Impact Goal projects. This year, the Impact Goals grantmaking program is supporting 10 outcomes-driven projects across the University of Minnesota system, totaling $1.5 million in funding.
Stewardship of Minnesota’s water and land emerged as a central theme among this year’s research teams.
Interested in more? Explore all of our articles.