Living Labs are interdisciplinary projects that bridge research and teaching with campus operations for applied sustainability learning and innovation. The campus as living lab framework offers many ways to harness the campus for learning and discovery, including classroom projects, research initiatives, student practicums, and grant funding opportunities.  
 

Participation Pathways

Teaching and Coursework
This pathway offers an opportunity for faculty and students to integrate the campus as living lab framework with coursework to examine real-world sustainability challenges and develop critical analysis and problem-solving skills.

Research
This pathway supports research initiatives across the research cycle, enabling faculty, staff, and students to collaborate on sustainability projects that advance scholarship, drive operational innovation, and support Brown's strategic sustainability goals.

Student Practicums/Independent Study
This pathway provides opportunities to engage students in practicums, internships or independent study projects, gaining hands-on experience in sustainability.  These projects enable students to work closely with faculty or community partners on specific projects such as climate resilience, environmental justice, and sustainable infrastructure.  

Co-Curricular Projects and Partnerships
The program fosters opportunities to learn outside the classroom through interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement.  Partnerships with local and regional environmental organizations allow students to apply their learning in ways that benefit both the university and broader community.

Program Goals

• Create campus-based learning opportunities across Brown's curriculum and research enterprise that advance sustainability scholarship and operational innovation

• Foster opportunities for regional environmental connection and behavior change

• Build awareness and program engagement using the campus as a testbed for research and learning

• Establish a clear and adaptable program structure to ensure long-term sustainability and impact

  Developed in collaboration with an Advisory Committee comprised of faculty, staff and students, this initiative is aligned with the University's mission to generate global impact through discovery, innovation and the creation of knowledge, and supports Brown’s goal of encouraging interdisciplinary research and learning by fostering collaborative partnerships and critical problem-solving skills which are essential for addressing multifaceted sustainability challenges. 

There are many ways to get involved in the Campus as Living Lab initiative:

Getting Started

• Have an idea for a living lab but not sure where to start?  Please reach out to Liz Guthrie, Living Labs Program Manager at liz_guthrie@brown.edu to discuss your ideas.

• Request a presentation or meeting for your department or group.

• Apply for Sustainability Seed Grant Funding (review guidelines here)

We encourage you to reach out to our office to learn more.  Please email liz_guthrie@brown.edu with the Office of Sustainability & Resiliency with any questions.