The Environmental Futures Forum is on Grounds this October to feature solutions-oriented research.
Join the University of Virginia for a two-day forum to explore real-world solutions to some of the toughest environmental challenges faced by society.
This bi-annual signature event from the UVA Environmental Institute brings together leading researchers, practitioners, and community members to examine how UVA and partners worldwide pioneer research that connects academic discoveries to actionable solutions.
The 2025 Environmental Futures Forum will feature a keynote conversation on the role of universities and colleges in translating research to action for communities. The Forum will also showcase interdisciplinary approaches to three critical areas: energy and infrastructure, the intersection between artificial intelligence and the environment, and coastal resilience and community adaptation. Through panel discussions, networking sessions, and poster presentations, participants will explore how today's cutting-edge discoveries can benefit people facing a changing world today.
Tentative Agenda for the 2025 Environmental Futures Forum
Monday, October 6, 2025
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Opening Panel: Connecting Research to Action
Solutions-focused research and UVA's leadership in environmental, sustainability, and resilience solutions
Panelist information coming soon
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Keynote Conversation
Jane Lubchenco, Distinguished Professor, University of Oregon, and former Deputy Director for Climate and Environment at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, in discussion with UVA President Jim Ryan
Reception & Networking to follow
Cocktail hour for Forum participants
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
9:30 am
Welcome & Breakfast
9:45 am – 10:00 am
Opening Remarks
State of resilience and sustainability research at UVA
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Panel 1: Energy and Infrastructure
Land use decisions, renewable energy grid challenges, and clean energy transitions
Followed by a poster session and networking
Panelist information coming soon
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Panel 2: Environment and AI
Environmental impacts of data centers, AI-powered climate prediction, and governance frameworks
Followed by a poster session and networking
Panelist information coming soon
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Panel 3: Coasts and People
Exploring coastal hazards, community resilience, and adaptation strategies
Followed by a poster session and networking
Panelist information coming soon
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