Academic and Training Program Hub

The Institute for Risk Management and Insurance Innovation (IRMII) is a multidisciplinary research and innovation hub, bringing together student researchers, academic leaders, and industry professionals to develop creative solutions for managing the financial risks arising from a growing number of threats, ranging from extreme weather to cybersecurity, faced by communities across the globe.We work collaboratively across industry and academia, fostering deep collaboration for interdisciplinary research. Our goal is not just to advance understanding, but to accelerate the application of that knowledge to shape resilient communities, systems, and institutions.

The imperative motivating the Graduate Certificate in Disaster Resilient Policy, Engineering and Design is to educate the next generation of practitioners and scholars to apply knowledge gained in the classroom and in the field to reduce the rise in disaster losses and assist communities adapt to a changing climate. The aims of the certificate reflect the NC State vision of “Think and Do”, to include using evidence-based information, assessing existing policy constraints and opportunities, and visually depicting examples of policy achieved through good planning, engineering and design. Technical knowledge to be obtained and applied by students in this graduate certificate program include: visualization of varied policy options; the critical assessment of existing and proposed natural hazards, disaster and climate change adaptation policies; the development of scenario-based governance strategies, interdisciplinary problem solving spanning architecture, building sciences, engineering, landscape architecture and land use planning; understanding hazard mitigation (risk reduction) and disaster recovery, to include its connectivity to climate change adaptation; and applying policy, design and engineering concepts to these issues.

NC State University’s North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies (NCICS) is a unique center of excellence showcasing a partnership between universities, the private sector, non-profit organizations, community groups, and the federal government. As an inter-institutional research institute of the University of North Carolina system, NCICS facilitates climate-related research across the UNC system and its partner organizations. Our vision:Inspire cutting-edge research and collaborationAdvance understanding of the current and future state of the climateEngage with business, academia, government, and the public to enhance decision makingOur main objectives are to:promote discovery of new knowledge about global, regional, and local climate variability and its impacts, andprovide information that is critical for determining trends and validating climate forecasts at all of these spatial scales.Underpinning all of our activities is the fundamental goal of enhancing our collective interdisciplinary understanding of the state and evolution of the full Earth System.

The Climate Adaptation Certificate provides a comprehensive graduate-level credential delivered in a highly flexible format for students who want to enhance their professional work with expertise in climate. Students may complete the certificate online (asynchronous) or in person. The certificate is the ideal choice for professionals who need a versatile option to further develop their knowledge of climate adaptation.

The CCS Master’s degree program and Climate Adaptation certificate provide students with critical skills, knowledge and expertise in climate science and climate adaptation. These programs prepare graduates to meet the growing demand for climate adaptation expertise.Enrolled students have the opportunity to match course offerings with their career interests. Together with advisors, students develop a flexible course plan to meet their personal and professional goals.

The NC State’s Climate and Sustainability Academy (CaSA) unites existing and emerging interdisciplinary research, teaching, engagement and operations efforts to promote sustainable and resilient solutions to climate and other global challenges, connecting people and places to imagine and catalyze transformative change.Connecting the Coastal Resilience and Sustainability Initiative (CRSI) (focusing on the coast and watersheds) and the Sustainable Futures Initiative (SFI) (focusing on campus and urban environments), CaSA brings together students, staff, scholars, practitioners and communities to imagine and implement resilient, transformative futures.The Climate and Sustainability Academy is a grassroots effort that converges three existing efforts, establishes formal partnerships with two offices hosted on NC State’s campus and coordinates synergistic efforts among more than 20+ established programs. We also collaborate with two climate and sustainability student-focused programs partially supported by the Provost’s Office, as well as the student-focused programs supported by the University Sustainability Office.

The Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability at Duke University accelerates solutions to critical energy and environmental challenges, advancing a more just, resilient, and sustainable world.The Nicholas Institute conducts and supports actionable research and undertakes sustained engagement with policymakers, businesses, and communities—in addition to delivering transformative educational experiences to empower future leaders. The Nicholas Institute’s work is aligned with the Duke Climate Commitment, which unites the university’s education, research, operations, and external engagement missions to address climate challenges.

The Bonaventura Summer Research Fellows Program is a 6-week intensive summer research initiative for Duke undergraduate students at the Duke University Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, NC. The program is named in honor of the late Joe Bonaventura, a highly esteemed Marine Lab faculty member, researcher, and inventor whose influence profoundly impacted the entire Marine Lab community. During the program, fellows will acquire essential skills needed to conceptualize and execute independent research, ultimately working toward the creation of a senior honors thesis for Graduation with Distinction.The program begins with a week-long primer in experimental design and research methods, culminating in a research proposal presentation to the Marine Lab community. Fellows then spend the remaining 5 weeks conducting faculty-mentored independent research and will present their results at the end of the program.Fellows in this program will be based at the Duke University Marine Laboratory for the duration of the six-week program. Room (double occupancy) and board are provided, and fellows will also receive Research Independent Study (RIS) credit for Summer Session I.The Bonaventura Program occurs during Summer Session I, giving fellows the flexibility to choose to stay at DUML for Summer Session II to continue their research and/or take classes. Because Bonaventura funding only covers SSI, fellows can apply for additional competitive summer scholarships to support their time during Summer Session II.