The Graham Sustainability Institute's latest round of funding is supporting research to meet the moment
The Graham Sustainability Institute at the University of Michigan has awarded seven Sustainability Catalyst Grants for 2026.
The selected projects span public health, engineering, design, agriculture, data systems and the performing arts, connecting U-M researchers with community organizations, practitioners, businesses and institutions. Each project is designed to inspire progress toward greater sustainability-testing ideas, co-creating tools and generating knowledge that can inform policy, practice and future work.
Together, the newly funded projects reflect Graham's commitment to research that is both rigorous and responsive.
"The Sustainability Catalyst Grants fill a critical gap to jumpstart interdisciplinary, engaged research that will have real-world impact," said Drew Horning, interim director of the Graham Sustainability Institute. "By connecting researchers with community partners and centering practical solutions, these projects lay the foundation for work that can grow, adapt and endure."
Two of the grants were made possible through special support from U-M's Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, advancing research at the intersection of climate and health. Supported by donors Lewis Sandy and Susan Hassmiller, health care professionals and leadership coaches, this work highlights the critical role of health care systems in building climate resilience and protecting community health.
Applied research is key to translating sustainability goals into real-world practice across sectors. The 2026 Sustainability Catalyst Grant portfolio sets the stage for multisector, user-driven solutions, from strengthening protections for communities facing extreme heat to advancing circular economies in Michigan's agricultural sector, operationalizing sustainability in the performing arts, and clarifying the water and energy implications of digital infrastructure.
This year's grants will support the following projects:
- A collaboration to create and test a practical educational tool for community health workers to support extreme heat preparedness and sustainable cooling strategies. The team is made up of members from UM-Health, the School of Public Health, Institute for Social Research and Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research. The principal investigator is Paul Chandanabhumma, assistant professor of family medicine at U-M Health.
- A collaboration to create practical resources for community response to wildfire smoke in rural communities. The team includes members from the School of Public Health, Stamps School of Art and Design, School for Environment and Sustainability, School of Nursing, the Okanogan Conservation District, Methow Valley Citizen's Council and Clean Air Methow. The principal investigator is Simone Charles, a clinical associate professor at the School of Public Health.
- A collaboration to explore combining hemp with mycelium-a natural fungal network-to create durable and biodegradable materials for furniture, packaging and building components. The team includes members from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, and Pott Farms. The principal investigator is Evgueni Filipov, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering.
- A collaboration working to clarify the challenges and opportunities for data center expansion. The team includes members from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Institute for Energy Solutions, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Center for EmPowering Communities and Upper Occoquan Service Authority.
- A collaboration working to develop guidance for building flood resilience with equitable green stormwater infrastructure policies and practices. The team includes members from Michigan Sea Grant, Center for Social Solutions and School for Environment and Sustainability. The principal investigator is Lauren Mullenbach, assistant research scientist at SEAS and Michigan Sea Grant.
- A collaboration to make opera productions more sustainable, both in terms of resources and the environment, without compromising artistic excellence. The team includes members from the School of Music, Theatre and Dance; School for Environment and Sustainability; and the Detroit Opera. The principal investigator is Sarah Oliver, associate professor of theatre and drama.
- A collaboration that will work toward developing sensors that can identify contaminated and misplaced items in compost, recycling and medical waste streams. The team includes members from U-M Health along with U-M Dearborn experts at the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Arts, Science and Letters. The principal investigator is Karishma Patnaik, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at U-M Dearborn.
