Our Mission

The Energy Institute at the University of Texas at Austin (http://energy.utexas.edu/) was created to address the most challenging energy issues facing society today.  Our mission is to provide guidance in the pursuit of a new energy paradigm that is at once viable and sustainable.  The Institute’s overarching goal is to alter the trajectory of public discourse in a positive manner, as exemplified in our credo – good policy based on good science.

The Energy Institute’s formation is premised on the notion that colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to conduct independent and impartial scientific research.  This concept is illustrated in our approach to research, in which we assemble inter-disciplinary teams of faculty from schools and colleges across campus to address complex energy issues in a comprehensive manner.  Our aim is to inject science- and fact-based analysis into what is often a contentious dialogue, and in so doing bring clarity to the debate that shapes public policy on energy issues.

The Institute’s mission also includes the development of interdisciplinary certificate and degree programs in energy, to broaden the educational experience of students in this critical field of study.

Strategic Objectives

• Raise awareness of the Energy Institute and emphasize its model of assembling inter-disciplinary to conduct credible and independent energy-related research
• Cultivate perception of The University of Texas at Austin as an “energy campus” and seek opportunities to promote faculty experts in variety of fields
• Build relationships with private and public stakeholders who support Energy Institute efforts to forward scientific research and foster sound energy policy