UVA’s Environmental Institute announces the award of two new Rapid Grants, which will translate scientific discovery into practical solutions for climate and environmental resilience.
Together, these two projects highlight the Institute’s mission to look to the next generation of environmental challenges. From the depths of the ocean to the future of renewable energy infrastructure, they aim to generate knowledge that leads directly to better environmental decisions.
Title: Understanding the Ocean to Protect the Planet
Researcher: Peter Berg (Environmental Sciences)
This project, the Ocean Lander project, will develop advanced monitoring technology systems capable of operating on the deep ocean floor, over two miles from the surface, for extended periods. These systems allow researchers to collect high-resolution environmental data in places that are currently difficult to observe.
The ocean plays a central role in regulating the Earth’s climate, absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide and heat. Yet scientists still lack detailed, long-term measurements from many parts of the seafloor and deep ocean.
By enabling continuous measurements in remote marine environments, the Ocean Lander project will improve our ability to track changes in ocean chemistry, biodiversity, and carbon storage, which is critical information for predicting climate impacts and protecting fisheries and coastal communities.
Title: Preparing for the Solar Energy Waste Challenge
Researcher: Mool Gupta (Electrical and Computer Engineering)
This project on solar energy waste addresses a growing but often overlooked issue in the clean energy transition: what happens when solar panels reach the end of their life.
Solar panels typically last 25–30 years. As the world rapidly expands renewable energy infrastructure, millions of panels will eventually need to be replaced. Researchers estimate that global solar panel waste could reach 78 million tons by 2050 if effective recycling systems are not developed.
This project will examine the environmental, technological, and policy challenges associated with solar panel disposal and recycling. The goal is to develop strategies that recover valuable materials, reduce environmental risks, and ensure that solar energy remains a truly sustainable solution.
Rapid grants are awarded to support time-sensitive research requiring bridge funding and/or immediate impact funding. This includes research on environmental disasters to both inform responses to the ongoing climate-based crises and anticipate future climate-based emergencies. It also includes time-sensitive funding needs for ongoing research aligned with the Institute's mission. Learn more about Rapid grants here.