Opportunities
The IES is structured to respond to energy challenges facing our state and nation and is built on a platform grounded in education and outreach. The fundamental research efforts needed to answer the most basic scientific questions provide information, which in turn allows technical barriers to be overcome through research and development. Business development efforts lead to the next generation of licensed energy technologies. The IES’ vision is realized through the integration of industry and government partners with the Institute’s research and development partners and collaborators.
The IES is intended to provide a comprehensive analysis of issues facing the energy industry by integrating various energy-related activities at the university. We recognize that engineering solutions must be supported by strong science and account for the social, political, economic, and regulatory issues that drive potential solutions. Our program is aimed at developing partnerships with key energy stakeholders.
- Industry provides a commercial outlet for sustainable energy technologies, identification of technical barriers, investment in university research, development, and demonstration programs.
- Public and non-government organizations provide education and training opportunities on sustainable energy technologies, obtain input on needs and directions.
- The University Community provides forums and opportunities for faculty and staff to participate in the process of increasing the sustainability of the university. UND must showcase the paradigm shift to sustainable energy and must build strong relationships with universities locally and globally.
- Federal, state and local government enhances support for sustainable energy programs through funded proposals and concepts that lead to contracts, cooperative agreements, and grant funding support for research and development activities.
- Minorities and developing countries benefit from advances in sustainable energy aggressively transferred to the disadvantaged and poor nations of the world. Access to energy resources is a requirement for improvement in the standard of living. This must be a component of the sustainable energy program at UND.
To drive advancement of research and projects, the Institute for Energy Studies employs undergraduate and master students from a variety of engineering fields. IES believes in the importance of training future engineers by providing crucial applied skills and experience opportunities for transition into industry. IES currently employs students from Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum, and Electrical Engineering.