Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus

The WEF Nexus at Penn State unites faculty, staff, and students across colleges and campuses to understand the complex challenges of water-energy-food systems. We guide solutions that promote sustainable development and foster capacity-building partnerships locally and globally.

WEF Africa

Penn State partners with stakeholders across Africa to conduct cutting-edge research and apply novel, sustainable approaches to development. We work closely with regional and international partners to implement locally appropriate solutions to scientific, social, environmental, and engineering challenges.

Spotlight On: SustainFood

Penn State leads a multi-institutional team in the National Science Foundation-funded SustainFood Network. This initiative links scientists, communities, and policymakers striving for sustainable and equitable food systems, renewable energy transitions, and water governance challenged by weather extremes and political instability.

Michael Jacobson, Ph.D.
  • Professor of Forest Resources

WEF Americas

Penn State collaborates with transdisciplinary institutions, government organizations, NGOs, and private stakeholders to direct research aimed at bolstering food, energy, and water security in communities across the United States and Latin America. We integrate local perspectives, global best practices, and institutional research for a more sustainable, resilient future.

Spotlight On: Colombia

Penn State leads U.S. National Science Foundation-funded research on climate change effects on soil microbiome in Colombia's ecologically fragile Páramo ecosystem. Research findings will help drive policies that protect this biodiversity hotspot, which is vital to climate-resilient water-provision services across Latin America.

Siela Nikolova Maximova, Ph.D.
  • Research Professor of Plant Biotechnology

Ag Sciences Global

Address

106 Agricultural Administration Building
University Park, PA 16802