Affiliates Program | Institute on the Environment

The Institute on the Environment's Affiliates program connects statewide University of Minnesota scholars, educators and practitioners to collaborate on sustainability research, education and engagement.

Affiliates are central to the Institute's work. They bring expertise from across disciplines – contributing to initiatives with real-world impact and strengthening the relationships that make environmental progress possible.

Types of Affiliates

Fellows

Fellows are established University of Minnesota researchers, educators and practitioners whose work addresses environmental challenges across disciplines. They contribute expertise to IonE initiatives, mentor earlier-career community members and help shape programs and partnerships.

Ione fellow Yuxin Miao observes a plant in a lab setting with students.

Associates

Associates are early-career researchers and educators who are pursuing interdisciplinary, community-engaged careers in environmental scholarship. They participate in a two-year cohort experience – building connections across disciplines and receiving mentorship and professional development through IonE.

Beyond Twin Cities

Duluth Harbor, the lift bridge, and industrial buildings on a sunny fall day

In Duluth, a growing community of IonE affiliates are connecting campus expertise to the places and people of the Lake Superior region.

IonE at Duluth Hub

Becoming an Affiliate

Three people talking at the annual meeting.

Why Should You Apply as an Affiliate?

In addition to program-specific benefits, all IonE affiliates can take advantage of the following:

Membership in the IonE community, including the right to list affiliation on a CV and on publications or other work products
Opportunities to interact with a range of environmental scholars and professionals – to share ideas and form new interdisciplinary teams
Invitations to activities and events designed specifically for affiliates, in addition to community-wide events
Access to IonE professional development programs, mentorship, training activities and more

Close-up of an IonE community member taking notes with a blue pen while holding a notebook and laptop in their lap

How to Apply as an Affiliate

Interested in joining our affiliate network? Get an overview of the specific steps to take to initiate the process of becoming a Fellow or an Associate.