Get the highlights of new Duke University modeling research on data center flexibility and its pivotal role in next-generation electric power systems. The study focuses on PJM but its findings have broad relevance for the U.S. power grid. During the webinar, experts will discuss different physical and contractual/regulatory enablers of data center operational flexibility and how these can contribute to grid reliability.

At a time when public funding is tightening, market capital is more cautious, and social needs are rising, philanthropic dollars have a unique capacity to catalyze innovation, de-risk early-stage solutions, and invest directly in impact-first solutions.  

During this Impact for Breakfast session in Washington, D.C., panelists will share how their organizations are working to shift more philanthropic dollars toward impact and what they are seeing across the broader ecosystem.

The Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (SE CASC) is seeking applications from eligible graduate students pursuing interdisciplinary research on global change and adaptation for the next cohort of Global Change Research Fellows. Join SE CASC for an informational webinar hosted by members of the selection committee for a Q&A and best tips for your application. Applications and letters of recommendation are due January 12, 2026.

Hosted by Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering, “Accelerating East Coast Geothermal” is a two-day symposium bringing together researchers, engineers, and energy professionals to advance the development of enhanced geothermal systems. The event will highlight innovative projects across both deep geothermal reservoirs and shallow closed-loop systems, offering insights into the successes, challenges, and future opportunities shaping this rapidly evolving field.

Would you like to know what the recent soybean trade deal with China and the administration's proposed farmer financial assistance means for the structure of agriculture and food system resilience? If so, please join us for a talk by Scott Marlow, former Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs of the USDA Farm Services Agency.

Tool developers from Earth Genome, The Commons, and the Nicholas Institute will walk through the ins and outs of the Internet of Water Coalition's Storm Events Database. The new database allows anyone to easily discover and download data from nearly 2 million unique storm event records dating back to the 1950s from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to attend the next Nicholas Institute and UPEP Environmental Institutions Seminar Series presentation. Our speaker will be Jennifer N. Brass, Ph.D., associate professor at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University Bloomington. No registration required.

This Impact for Breakfast event will take a deep dive on carbon markets. What’s the difference between compliance and voluntary markets? How do we measure “avoided emissions” in practice? How will this evolve over time? Join expert panelists in Duke in DC for a lively conversation to answer these questions. Featuring Nicholas Institute Director Brian Murray.

The University Energy Institute Leadership Collaborative (UEILC) is a first-of-its-kind partnership of U.S. university-based energy institutes formed to address the critical challenges facing America’s energy systems. Members include leaders of over 150 energy institutes and a network of energy experts from around the world working together to inspire meaningful research, engage scholarship, inform regional and national policy, impact decision-making, and re-imagine energy education to be ready to create the future of energy systems.

Registration is live for the 17th annual Duke University Energy Conference on November 5, 2025. The Energy Conference is organized by the MBA Energy Club as part of Energy Week at Duke (November 3-7), which is led by students from degree programs across Duke.

Chetan Hebbale, PMP, Managing Policy Advisor for Greening Sovereign Debt at The Nature Conservancy, will explore emerging methodologies for measuring natural capital and ecosystem services as essential drivers of economic growth. This is a supplemental talk for the "Evaluating Impacts of Debt-for-Nature Swaps on Debt, Climate and Biodiversity" 2025-2026 Bass Connections project team, led in part by Nicholas Institute expert Elizabeth Losos.

Registration is LIVE for the tenth annual Energy Week at Duke! The 2025 student-led event will offer opportunities to learn and network with Triangle-area professionals, students, faculty, and staff.

Check out the list of events happening in the weeklong celebration—including the 2025 Energy Conference: The Future of Energy, a clean energy tech innovation showcase (featuring companies, startups, and student groups), an exclusive community dinner, and more!

Duke students, faculty and staff are invited to join the Duke Climate Commitment to learn more about the Climate Commitment plans, meet the team and get involved in the future. Food will be served. Registration is required.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to attend the second Nicholas Institute and UPEP Environmental Institutions Seminar Series presentation of the fall 2025 semester. The speaker will be Ambreen Ben-Shmuel, a postdoctoral fellow at the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. This is an in-person event with no virtual viewing option; no registration required. 
 

Come curious, leave inspired—join us for lively conversations and new connections! The Nicholas Institute is marking its twentieth anniversary with a special program and reception that blends reflection and forward momentum. Speakers include Duke University President Vincent Price, two former heads of the EPA, experts on extreme heat and electricity load growth, and inspiring students already working to advance change.

Duke undergraduate and graduate students of all degree programs are invited to attend “Adapting & Succeeding in Climate Careers” on October 22, from 6–7 p.m. ET via Zoom. Hear from Duke alumni in policy, advocacy, energy, and consulting as they share how they’ve built resilient careers in the climate space. Gain strategies to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market, learn from leaders shaping climate solutions, and discover how to turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Cosponsored by the Duke Career Center and Nicholas Institute.

Join the Duke University School of Nursing for a thought-provoking keynote by Jessica Castner, PhD, RN-BC, Duke Climate Leader in Residence. Dr. Castner will explore the vital role nurses play in addressing climate-related health challenges. This is a hybrid event and those registered to attend virtually will receive the link to join the morning of the lecture.

Join the James E. Rogers Energy Access Project and hear from students who worked on access-related projects over the summer—including students who participated in the Energy Internship Program!