Center for Ocean Solutions

The Center for Ocean Solutions (COS) is a collaboration among Stanford University (through the Stanford Woods Institute and the Hopkins Marine Station), The Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. COS develops knowledge to solve ocean challenges, translates marine science and policy research for decision-makers, educates leaders through graduate-level training and research and sponsors programs to inform and empower action by leaders within the public and private sectors. Learn more...

Center on Food Security and the Environment

A joint effort with the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, the Center on Food Security and the Environment (FSE) addresses the challenges of feeding the world's growing population without depleting the planet’s natural resources. FSE experts design new solutions to help alleviate global hunger, poverty and environmental degradation, train scholars and policy leaders and provide sound policy advice on issues related to agricultural development, food and nutrition security, and climate change. Learn more...

Global Freshwater Initiative

Building on water supply research conducted in India and Mexico, Global Freshwater Initiative researchers are developing strategies to promote the long-term viability of freshwater supplies for people and ecosystems threatened by climate change, shifts in land use, increasing population and decaying infrastructure. Stanford researchers and local collaborators are working to generate policy evaluation models, provide targeted analyses of viable policy interventions and train the next generation of water resource experts. Learn more...

Natural Capital Project

A joint venture with The Nature Conservancy, the World Wildlife Fund and the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment, the Natural Capital Project melds world-class research on environmental economics with influential conservation programs. The center’s Integrated Valuation of Environmental Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) software suite enables decision-makers to quantify nature’s values, assess tradeoffs associated with alternative land-use choices and integrate conservation and human development into land- and water-use and investment decisions. Learn more...

Osa & Golfito Initiative (INOGO)

The Osa & Golfito Initiative (INOGO) is facilitating the development of a strategy for sustainable human development and environmental stewardship in Costa Rica’s Osa and Golfito region. INOGO works hand in hand with Costa Ricans in local communities, government, the private sector and NGOs. The goal is to generate a living process for sustainable development led by Costa Ricans, especially the people of Osa and Golfito. Learn more...

Water, Health & Development

Working with partners in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, Stanford researchers with the Program on Water, Health & Development are identifying ways to improve and increase the sustainability of water supply and sanitation service delivery, while also enhancing capacity for sustainable water and wastewater management in developing countries. Researchers address issues such as water quality and quantity, sanitation and hygiene, health and resource recovery for energy and food production. Learn more...

Water in the West

The western United States needs water systems that are sustainable from economic, ecological, political, institutional, equitable, scientific and legal points of view. The Water in the West program addresses multiple dimensions of realistic, integrated solutions to the region’s water challenges. The program’s current projects include improving groundwater management, expanding water reuse and sustainability and developing performance measurements for water systems. Learn more...

Business of Sustainability Summit

Annual program convening diverse cohort of CEOs, chief sustainability officers, and business unit heads along with faculty members representing all seven schools at Stanford to engage, collaborate and discuss insights, strategies and solutions for global sustainability challenges and opportunities.

Woods in Washington, D.C.

Through a new office in Washington, D.C., our faculty, scholars and students will play a greater role in informing national policymakers and advising businesses, government agencies, NGOs and science boards. This office will provide an important presence in the nation’s capital and a venue for delivering research and programs to decision-makers. Learn more...