Now Accepting Nominations
Duke University faculty and staff are invited to submit ideas to their deans or UIC directors for residents who could start as early as January 2025. As Duke’s two initial residents come from the private sector, there is a preference for nominees coming from the public sector or non-governmental organizations, but all nominees will be considered. Nominees are evaluated on a rolling basis, including throughout December 2024 for nominees to start as soon as January 2025.
Launched in 2024, the Climate Leaders in Residence (CLIR) program brings top thought leaders to Duke University to share insights and expertise, sparking discussion and action to advance climate solutions. The leaders leverage their experience, expertise, and networks as they collaborate with Duke faculty and staff on pragmatic climate research and initiatives that could lead to significant change in the near future. They also enrich Duke students’ learning through mentorship, teaching, and other activities.
The CLIR program advances the aims of the Duke Climate Commitment, which unites the university’s education, research, operations and public service missions to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change. The program will be funded this year by the Presidential Climate Action and Innovation Fund, an endowment established by the Nicholas Family in support of the Duke Climate Commitment.
The Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability is overseeing the program.
The CLIR program’s design is modeled on the Rubenstein Fellows Academy, which brought top thought leaders to Duke between 2014 and 2021. Nominated by Duke faculty, potential residents must have expertise relevant to one or more of the Duke Climate Commitment areas of focus and can include accomplished, influential and well-connected private, public or nonprofit sector leaders; recent holders of political office; or public intellectuals. Each resident’s role is crafted in collaboration with them and is based on the intersection of their experiences and interests and Duke’s priorities. Most will work with Duke for one- or two-year terms, ideally dedicating between 50 percent and 100 percent of their time to the role.
In the years to come, the CLIR program also has plans to embed Duke’s thought leaders in external leadership positions in government, think tanks, nongovernmental organizations, and other institutions.
Meet the Climate Leaders in Residence
Alison Taylor
Alison Taylor
Alumna Alison Taylor, chief sustainability officer for ADM, has embarked on an 18-month stint as Duke University’s second Climate Leader in Residence. During her residency, Taylor plans to work with Duke scholars on projects that address climate and sustainability issues through nature-based solutions—actions to protect, sustainably manage or restore natural or modified ecosystems to address societal challenges. She is particularly interested in efforts related to building more climate-resilient, climate-friendly and just food systems. She will also be engaging with Duke students across numerous degree programs in a variety of ways.
Read Taylor's appointment announcement →
Securing a Climate-Friendly Future: Meet Alison Taylor →
Francis Bouchard
Francis Bouchard
Francis Bouchard, managing director for climate, Marsh McLennan, is the CLIR program’s inaugural resident. Throughout 2024, Bouchard is teaming up with Duke experts to develop research partnerships and networks to help the insurance industry advance climate change solutions.