Advancing the Public Good
Georgia Tech proudly proclaims in the Strategic Plan that our goal is to “develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.” Because Georgia Tech is regarded as an anchor institution, not just in the Southeastern United States, but throughout the nation, and world, the Institute doesn’t just have an interest in serving the public good, but rather a duty to serve the communities – local to global – of which it is a part. This duty extends to the BBISS, most prominently in our commitment to open thought and transparent dialog with others, especially those that are most often under-represented in academic discourse and public policy forums.
To fully realize our commitment, investments are needed to develop testbed models that allow researchers to explore solutions and scenarios within complex systems like climate change, urbanization, and energy grids. BBISS has plans to lead the establishment of Public Innovation Centers organized around the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals such as Zero Hunger or Clean Water and Sanitation. Finally, resources are needed to enable more effective communications about the public good that is pouring forth from the BBISS and Georgia Tech.
BBISS Graduate Fellows - Class II
The second class of Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems (BBISS) Graduate Fellows has been selected. The BBISS Graduate Fellows Program provides graduate students with enhanced training in sustainability, team science, and leadership in addition to their usual programs of study. Each 2-year fellowship is funded by a generous gift from Brook and Shawn Byers and is additionally guided by a Faculty Advisory Board. The students apply their skills and talents, working directly with their peers, faculty, and external partners on long-term, large team, sustainability relevant projects. They are also afforded opportunities to organize and host seminar series, develop their professional networks, publish papers, draft proposals, and develop additional skills critical to their professional success and future careers leading research teams.
BBISS Graduate Fellows - Class I
The inaugural class of seven Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems (BBISS) Graduate Fellows was selected in the Fall of 2021.
Micro-Grants Research Program
Devised by the BBISS and sponsored by the Kendeda Building Advisory Board, the Micro-Grants Research Program solicits proposals for very small scale ($50 to $500), short term, sustainability related, research studies to be conducted by members of the Georgia Tech community. Community investigators are encouraged to explore ways in which the Georgia Tech campus can continue to innovate, demonstrate, prove, and promote the adoption of best and next practices in regenerative design and operations. Researchers were also encouraged to use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for research design. All members of the Georgia Tech community are encouraged to apply. The program especially sought proposals from students and staff that had little or no prior research experience.
