Institute for Sustainable Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Science (SAFES)
An interdisciplinary, science-to-practice platform to study landscape-level challenges
The Institute for Sustainable Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Science (SAFES) establishes a novel environment for accelerating solutions to persistently "wicked" landscape-level challenges centered on agriculture, food, and the environment. The science of agricultural sustainability underpins the mission of SAFES and provides a comprehensive approach to the complexity of challenges which integrates natural and social sciences with technological advancements, human behavior, economics, and policy.
SAFES integrates agriculturally and environmentally related disciplines to develop holistic approaches for tackling "wicked" challenges.
SAFES trains the next generation of researchers, educators, practitioners, and policymakers in integrating information from across domains and using science-based data for decision making.
SAFES shortens the distance between science and practice by actively connecting biophysical scientists with sociologists, communication scientists and educators. This work is led by the Agriculture and Environment Center through a shared discovery engagement process.
Upcoming Events
Water Insights Seminar: An integrated assessment of farm management effects on air and water quality
April 13, 2021
Research-to-Policy
April 15, 2021
NSF Program Opportunities
April 22, 2021
Water Insights Seminar: Identifying and Addressing Pennsylvania’s Water Resources Education Needs Through Extension
April 27, 2021
Latest News
April 7, 2021
Penn State wastewater testing shows potential for future coronavirus monitoring
While most students are aware of Penn State’s walk-up and randomized coronavirus testing, there’s other testing strategies happening beneath the surface of campus. Wastewater testing for the coronavirus has been part of Penn State’s layered testing strategy since before the 2020-21 school year. Starting in July 2020, a team of university professors and experts began sampling wastewater from both on-campus and off-campus areas in State College, according to Heather Preisendanz, associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering.
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March 4, 2021
Kaye Named Distinguished Professor
Faculty who are awarded the Distinguished Professor title are acknowledged leaders in their fields of research or creative activity, have demonstrated significant leadership in raising the standards of the University, and have demonstrated excellent teaching skills, contributing significantly to the education of students who subsequently have achieved recognition of excellence in their own careers.
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March 1, 2021
Thriving Agricultural Systems in Urbanized Landscapes
The Thriving Agricultural Systems in Urbanized Landscapes project, funded by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, is working to create economically thriving and environmentally beneficial agricultural systems in urbanized landscapes.
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February 26, 2021
Chiques Creek, Conewago watershed in Lancaster County to undergo extensive cleanup effort
As Dellinger Run wends its way toward Chiques Creek, it stretches through 56 acres of farmland in Rapho Township, where owner Mark Heller enjoys watching the ducks and fish that swim in the stream.
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