Research

Photos by Erika Nicosia

The research conducted by URI faculty, staff, and students provides new insights in how we can balance economic development, environmental protection, and social equity at all scales, from global programs to our own homes and communities. In our cities, URI planners and policy experts examine novel ways to move people, goods, and services in a timely, energy-efficient manner. Design experts at the University build communities -- in a virtual world with cutting-edge computing tools and in the real world, both locally and internationally -- that minimize habitat loss and energy use and maximize the efficient use of space and natural resources. Environmental scientists study how best to strike a balance between the needs of society for fuel, food, and space while protecting water supplies from pollution and maintaining sustainable populations of commercially important fish and forests.

The lessons learned by researchers at URI are practiced throughout the world, especially in coastal communities. Likewise, the research conducted by URI scientists overseas provides exceptional insight into better ways to manage our own resources. Modern tools and contemporary technologies are brought to bear in our research in sustainable communities. Advanced computer graphics allow URI scientists to visualize how communities will look before construction begins. Simulation models determine costs to consumers and environmental impacts of different land-use management decisions. Satellite systems provide data to URI scientists, allowing them to measure how fast suburban sprawl is proceeding and how fragmented our habitats are becoming. Geographic Information Systems and Internet tools allow researchers to assemble complex map data sets that provide insight into how human activities can occur with minimal negative impact to society and the environment.

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