Institute at Brown for Environment and Society

Institute at Brown for Environment and Society

The Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES) supports research to understand the interactions between natural, human and social systems. Our teaching programs prepare future leaders to envision and build a just and sustainable world.

Empowering people, driving solutions.

At this dynamic cross-campus center, IBES students and faculty conduct groundbreaking research and build creative solutions to complex 21st-century problems. Our work combines an understanding of the natural world and of human societies because environmental stewardship, human rights, and economic well-being are inextricably linked.

Through our unique interdisciplinary approach, IBES fosters actionable research outcomes and the change agents of tomorrow. Our rigorous undergraduate curriculum offers meaningful real-world experiences and unique faculty-student partnerships.

IBES faculty and students are leaders in the global conversation about environmental issues – on campus, at the State House, in boardrooms, and at the United Nations.

Upcoming Events

IBES News

Meet Dr. Sonam Futi Sherpa, a new postdoctoral researcher in IBES! Sherpa is working with Professor Laurence C. Smith's Northern Change Research Laboratory, using a NASA SWOT satellite mission to observe water and the proglacial environment. Read this Q&A (edited for length and clarity) to learn more about Sherpa's work and what she looks forward to doing at Brown.
Read Article
Building upon her undergrad experiences, this IBES alum now creates mission-driven environmental change at the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
Read Article
Jayanthi’s undergraduate experiences and commitment to knowledge-sharing position her as an environmental advocate, ready to champion sustainability for policymakers.
Read Article

Possibly Podcast

Looking at the science behind proposed solutions to environmental challenges, to help listeners cut through the noise and make choices that, possibly, will make a difference.

Listen to all episodes

Possibly podcast logo

What We Do

Climate change and flooding, pathogens and poverty, conflict and extinction – these threats know no borders. Our fragile planet and its vulnerable peoples are at risk. This time of unprecedented challenge requires bold solutions and innovative thinking.
Visit Page
Brown students change the world. IBES helps them save the planet.
Visit Page
Sustaining life on Earth requires change in the way we power our campuses and cities, how we incentivize reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and how we grow and distribute our food.
Visit Page

Contact Us

Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES)
Brown University

Box 1951
85 Waterman Street
Providence, RI 02912

Phone: 401-863-3449
Fax: 401-863-3839
environment@brown.edu