The Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise and the University of Michigan Energy Institute are pleased to announce that Tom Lyon, of the Ross School of Business and the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE), will be taking over dual responsibilities as Associate Director for Research at the Erb Institute and Associate Director for Social Science and Policy at the Energy Institute (UMEI). Lyon is the University’s Dow Professor of Sustainable Science, Technology and Commerce.
Lyon’s key role within Erb will be to work with Institute Director Andy Hoffman to implement a Research Strategy Plan they have jointly developed during the past several months. Read More…The process involves the creation and management of a group of 3 – 5 Erb research clusters, the themes of which will be determined through a process of engagement with key Erb stakeholders. Examples of possible themes include water quality and quantity, sustainable energy, climate change, green construction, sustainable food, global supply chain management, and the use of information technology to inform green markets.
At the Energy Institute, Lyon will be charged with building bridges between the world of technology (at the College of Engineering) and the world of policy and practice (at SNRE, the Ford School and Ross). In his new role, he will work to increase the visibility and impact of UM’s research on the human dimensions of energy use, both within and beyond the university community. “Through his involvement with our Executive Committee, Tom has already contributed significantly to planning and prioritization within the Energy Institute,” said UMEI Director Mark Barteau. “We look forward to adding his expertise in corporate environmental strategy to the broadening suite of research and policy expertise we’re integrating under the university’s energy umbrella.”
Having the dual roles will enable the Erb and Energy Institutes to grow sustainability research on campus generally, and energy sustainability research on campus more specifically. It will also reinforce efforts in innovation and entrepreneurship, since many of the most exciting new ideas coming out of the College of Engineering in recent years involve energy, (e.g. high-efficiency wind turbines, organic photovoltaic cells, new battery chemistries, and advanced vehicles). “All in all, this is a remarkable opportunity and we are very excited about where this can help take both Institutes to new heights of intellectual engagement and impact,” said Hoffman.