Irving Institute Unveils 2030 Strategic Plan Summary

Executive Summary:
Founded in 2017, Dartmouth's Arthur L. Irving Institute for Energy and Society's mission is to accelerate an affordable, reliable, and equitable clean energy transition for the benefit of society. Our vision is a multidisciplinary community of researchers, experts, and citizens who will lead the decarbonization of the global economy. In support of our mission and vision, our 2030 Strategic Plan focuses on enhancing research, education, and engagement to position Dartmouth as a recognized global leader in energy transition insights and action.
 
The Irving Institute's 2030 Strategic Plan aligns with Dartmouth's Climate Collaborative, launched in 2024, catalyzing campus decarbonization through significant capital investments. The urgency to achieve our Strategic Plan alongside the Climate Collaborative's targets presents clear opportunities for new partnerships across Arts & Sciences, Thayer School of Engineering, Tuck School of Business, and Geisel School of Medicine, transforming the Dartmouth campus into a living lab for research, teaching, and collaboration.
 
Programmatic Pillars
 
Research & Translation:
Addressing the world's most pressing challenges at the interface of energy and society requires bridging multiple disciplines, including engineering, technology, business, economics, policy, environmental studies, healthcare, and cultural comprehension. Our Research & Translation pillar will catalyze efforts across various schools and institutes, stimulating impactful research. Identified research priority areas include:
    •    Accelerating Clean Tech Deployment: Maturing technologies and developing strategies to overcome market and policy barriers for commercialization.
    •    Harnessing Data, Machine Learning (ML), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Energy Optimization: Leading innovations to optimize energy systems and inform policy-making.
    •    Centering Health and Equity in the Clean Energy Transition: Prioritizing health, equity, and social justice to ensure community benefits from energy transition.
 
2030 Research & Translation Goals:
    •    Support the development of energy-related research capabilities, leading to an increase in peer-reviewed publications and external partnerships.
    •    Increase alumni and practitioner engagement to accelerate research involving students and move from theory to practice.
    •    Expand the energy transition entrepreneurial ecosystem to expedite the deployment of innovative solutions.
 
Teaching & Learning:
Developing the next generation of energy experts and leaders is essential for a sustainable future. Our Teaching & Learning pillar will advance Dartmouth's offerings related to energy systems and their societal impacts. We aim to expand partnerships and provide unparalleled opportunities for students to lead and innovate.
 
2030 Teaching & Learning Goals:
    •    Ensure that a majority of Dartmouth's students are exposed to energy transition issues.
    •    Become a nationally and internationally recognized leader in energy education.
    •    Produce agile leaders committed to advancing the clean energy transition across sectors.
 
Engagement:
The success of the energy transition depends on community engagement and public support. Our Engagement pillar will promote research and educational initiatives, ensuring they resonate across various audiences.
 
2030 Engagement Goals:
    •    Develop a comprehensive engagement strategy that builds a robust local and global stakeholder network.
    •    Increase participation in Research & Translation and Teaching & Learning events.
    •    Elevate Dartmouth's profile through prominent media coverage and an increase in student engagement.
 
Conclusion:
The Arthur L. Irving Institute at Dartmouth is committed to its mission of accelerating an affordable, reliable, and equitable clean energy transition for the benefit of society. We invite stakeholders—students, faculty, industry partners, policymakers, and community members—to collaborate with us in this vital work, ensuring our efforts cultivate unique partnerships, translate ideas into meaningful impact, and advance an energy transition that benefits society as a whole.