Areas of influence
Mines recently established new research pillars to highlight the university’s expertise and showcase the many ways in which Mines researchers are driving innovation with impact. The pillars encompass Mines’ legacy expertise across earth, energy and environment, reinforcing the university’s strengths and leadership across these areas. Additional pillars include foundations, fundamentals and frontiers. These capture Mines’ work to integrate social considerations into the foundations of ethical and impactful innovation, to probe the fundamentals of science and expand our understanding of the universe, and to push the frontiers of what’s possible through use-inspired, cutting-edge research.
“The Mines ethos of use-inspired research and innovation is a significant part of what draws world-class faculty, students and industry and government partners to Mines,” said Mines President Paul C. Johnson. “We have a combination of expertise, facilities and collaborations that uniquely positions us to tackle the key questions and challenges facing industry and society on topics like energy and water, natural resources and sustainability, infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, health and beyond.”
Mines Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer Walter Copan added, “Capturing the spectrum of research and innovation across Mines, the pillars also represent the university’s commitment to develop real-world solutions that incorporate social, economic, policy and environmental dimensions.”
Earth Exploration
Mines researchers are building a better understanding of Earth’s structure, natural processes and changing environments to predict and mitigate natural hazards, understand environmental cycles, address climate change and locate and access critical resources with minimal impact on the planet.
Sustainable Environment and Climate
Environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation are central to research at Mines, where scientists advance projects aimed at purifying water, soil and air while driving cleaner energy production, resource extraction and manufacturing practices.
Fundamentals of Scientific Discovery
Researchers across Mines drive discovery and innovation by using advanced technology and computing to enhance our understanding of the matter, forces and interactions that govern our universe.
Integrated Energy Solutions
Balancing ever-growing demand for affordable, reliable and climate-conscious energy, Mines researchers are leaders in finding solutions that reduce emissions, boost energy efficiency and storage, use alternative and renewable sources and fuels and improve grid reliability.
Foundations of Responsible Innovation
Mines scientists and engineers integrate social, cultural, ethical, economic, policy and environmental considerations into their work to improve our world through impactful and responsible research and innovation.
Science and Engineering Frontiers
Balancing ever-growing demand for affordable, reliable and climate-conscious energy, Mines researchers are leaders in finding solutions that reduce emissions, boost energy efficiency and storage, use alternative and renewable sources and fuels and improve grid reliability.
This story first appeared in the 2024 issue of the Mines Research Magazine.
