Energy & Sustainability

Our Energy and Sustainability researchers are committed to developing new technologies for an environmentally sustainable future. Current topics of interest include green chemistry, atmospheric chemistry, studies on the effect of environmental agents on human health, and the development of environmentally friendly methods for chemical synthesis.

A graduate student conducts research at a fume hood.

Related News

Six Chemistry Students Receive National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships

Recipients of this prestigious award represent a diverse group of scientific disciplines from all U.S. states, commonwealths, and territories.

“Production of ozone-depleting substances has pretty much ceased around the world except for this one use, which is when you have a chemical you convert into something else,” says Susan Solomon.

A regulatory loophole could delay ozone recovery by years

Scientists say an exception in the Montreal Protocol for the use of ozone-depleting feedstocks could set the ozone recovery back seven years.

MIT chemists have found that changing the composition of the cell membrane can alter the function of EGFR, a cell receptor that promotes proliferation and is often overactive in cancer cells.

MIT study reveals a new role for cell membranes

Long thought to be mainly a structural support, the cell membrane also influences how cells respond to signals and may contribute to the growth of cancer cells.

MIT ranks No. 1 in 12 subject areas in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, the organization announced.

QS World University Rankings rates MIT No. 1 in 12 subjects for 2026

The Institute also ranks second in seven subject areas.

Researchers detected statistically significant changes in global atmospheric temperatures in response to three major natural events: the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 (inset on left), the Australian wildfires in 2019-2020 (center), and the eruption of the underwater volcano Hunga Tonga in the South Pacific in 2022 (bottom right).

Study reveals climatic fingerprints of wildfires and volcanic eruptions

In research that could help elucidate humans’ role in global warming, scientists showed how three major natural events impacted global atmospheric temperatures.

Headshots (three on top, three on the bottom) of the six winners of the Mentorship Spotlight Award for Fall 2025.

Six Exemplary Mentors honored with Fall 2025 Mentorship Spotlight Awards

The winners were nominated by students, postdocs, faculty, and staff in recognition of their exceptional commitment to mentorship.

Three speakers seated on a stage in conversation.

MIT Energy Initiative conference spotlights research priorities amidst a changing energy landscape

Industry leaders agree collaboration is key to advancing critical technologies.

Professor Danna Freedman smiles in front of a silver sculpture.

Leading quantum at an inflection point

The MIT Quantum Initiative is taking shape, leveraging quantum breakthroughs to drive the future of scientific and technological progress.