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EPA Announces 66 Research Grants to Develop Sustainability Designs
EPA's chief scientist, Dr. Paul Gilman, recently announced that 66 student teams from 51 universities will receive grants of up to $10,000 in support of the projects they've undertaken for the P3 Award competition — People, Prosperity, and the Planet-National Student Design Competition (Listing of the universities that will receive the grants).
The P3 design competition was launched in January 2004 to stimulate the research and development of sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. The goal of sustainability is to promote development that meets current-day needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Through their support of the P3 design competition, EPA and its partners hope to encourage the nation's brightest students to develop innovative ways to achieve economic prosperity while protecting the planet's natural systems and enhancing the quality of life of the world's people.
The projects receiving research grants concern topics such as green buildings and sustainable construction materials, biodiesel production (Alternative Fuels) and use, drinking water quality and supply, alternative energy sources and fuel cells, urban redevelopment, and green chemistry. According to Dr. Gilman, "This collection of projects is evidence that moving towards sustainability is not only possible but is going to be based in scientific and technological innovation.These projects demonstrate that the next generation of scientists, engineers, and decision-makers has the ingenuity and creativity to the meet the grand challenges of sustainability. That's inspiring."
On May 16 and 17, 2005, all teams will be invited to bring their designs to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to compete for the P3 Award. The National Academy of Engineering will convene a panel of judges for the competition. Winners of the P3 Award will be eligible for additional funds from EPA to match contributions from industry or non-governmental organizations to help further develop the design, implement the project in the field, and move the design to the marketplace.
EPA is now accepting applications from student teams for the 2005 P3 competition. The competition is open to students attending colleges, universities, and other post-secondary educational institutions in the U.S. Interdisciplinary teams are strongly encouraged, including representatives from multiple engineering departments and departments of chemistry, architecture, industrial design, economics, policy, social sciences, business, etc. The deadline for receipt of applications is Jan. 27, 2005. Additional information about this year's grant winners, the P3 program, and the 2005 competition can be found at www.epa.gov/P3. For more information on EPA's sustainability program please visit http://www.epa.gov/sustainability/.